At Apple's latest event, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced Apple Podcasts, a premium podcast subscription service aimed at bringing early access and ad-free listening to subscribers starting in May. The service marks the latest paid subscription offering from the tech giant, joining Apple Music and Apple TV Plus. It comes as the brand looks to further integrate users into its ecosystem of services, offering a simple subscription service for those who use its popular podcast app. It has been confirmed that Apple will take a 30% subscription reduction in the first year and 15% in the second, although this is comparable to other providers.
Come to the point
- What is it? A creator-led subscription service for Apple podcasts
- When did it come out? Sometimes in may
- How much will it cost? The price depends on the creators.
Launch date and price
For some time we've been expecting a premium podcast service from Apple to arrive, and after months of rumours, it's no surprise that it's officially confirmed in the company's latest announcement. During the live stream, Tim Cook confirmed that Apple Podcast subscriptions will be available to Apple users in May. Instead of being a global subscription, the service will allow listeners to subscribe to individual content creators, who will set the price for their respective premium offerings (starting at 49¢, probably around 50p, per month). Subscriptions will be billed monthly by default, though creators can offer annual billing if they choose, which subscribers can manage from their Apple ID account settings. Free trials and sample episodes will also be available. With Family Sharing, up to six family members can share one subscription.
What is it?
Apple Podcast Subscriptions is a new podcast service from Apple that will provide subscribers with early access, exclusive content, and ad-free listening curated by creators. As stated above, it won't arrive as a blanket subscription, instead giving listeners the option to subscribe to specific content creators, each of whom will determine their level of premium offering. Apple says listeners will be able to enjoy premium subscriptions from independent creators, studios, and media brands like NPR, The LA Times, The Athletic, Sony Music Entertainment, and more.
(Image credit: Apple) That doesn't mean you'll suddenly have to pay for the podcasts you already know and love - more than a million of which are available for free through Apple's dedicated Podcasts app - instead , the service will be optional. extra for users. Tim Cook also confirmed that a new design is heading to the Podcasts app, with shows and episodes receiving special pages along with channel intros, which are creator-curated groups of shows with unique titles, descriptions, and illustrations. Just like with shows, you'll be able to browse free channels, which Apple says will make it easier to find more podcasts from your favorite creators, as well as paid channels that offer additional benefits to subscribers. The redesigned Apple Podcasts app will also feature an improved search tab that provides quick access to top listings and categories. These visual updates will come to the app via software updates to iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and macOS 11.3, which are expected to be released in late April.
And the creators?
The move has excited members of the podcasting community, with many seeing it as a potentially dramatic shift in the podcast landscape that could have ramifications for other providers: "" could be as seismic as the App has been Store for indie game developers,” said Pete Donaldson, creative director and founder of podcast creation studio Stakhanov. table in such a big way, providing a really easy way to support content creators. "Stakhanov was one of the companies consulted during development, and we're very excited to be able to bring some of our most popular shows like Abroad In Japan and Self Care Club to the table as soon as Apple Podcast subscriptions become available." In addition to offering an exciting new option for podcast listeners, Apple Podcast subscriptions will now give creators the ability to create and distribute premium content. The upcoming Apple Podcasts for Creators website will help creators learn more about podcasting, keep up with the latest news and features, and explore step-by-step guides with best practices. They'll also be able to access an updated Apple Podcasts Connect dashboard, which contains new features to make it easier to manage shows on Apple Podcasts, including the ability to edit metadata, schedule and manage show availability, 'Organize shows into channels, manage multiple users and discover how listeners are engaging with content through new performance metrics and visualization tools.
(Image credit: Apple) From there, creators will be able to sign up for the new Apple Podcasters program, which will provide access to all the tools needed to create and distribute premium subscriptions on Apple Podcasts, for €19,99 (probably € 19,99). / AU €25) per year. However, eagle-eyed Twitter users delved into Apple's terms and conditions and found that the company would keep 30% of the revenue from creators' private podcasts if they decide to use the service, which will be reduced to 15% during your second year of registration. . That being said, this is the same commission system that Apple already uses for its other subscription services. Interestingly, Apple won't require podcasters to create Apple-exclusive shows, but the company wants creators to distinguish between content delivered through Apple Podcasts and content streamed elsewhere, suggesting heavier offerings or Whithout ads. Apple, instead of, say, Spotify.