Apple pushes launch of Podcast subscriptions and channels to June

Apple on Friday informed podcast creators that the rollout of a newly announced subscription service has been delayed until June.

The company failed to pin the delay on a specific issue, saying in an email to podcast producers that it is working to deliver the "best experience for creators and listeners." Both subscriptions and channels are impacted by the change.

Announced in April, Podcast subscriptions enables creators to sell access to shows, exclusive content, ad-free programming and more through the Podcasts platform. Podcasters can offer free samples and set subscription pricing, which defaults to automated monthly billing. Annual subscription options are also available.

System level support for subscriptions and channels rolled out with the release of iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6 and macOS Big Sur 11.4 this week, though the service is not yet live.

Apple in its newsletter goes on to acknowledge lingering problems with Podcasts Connect that held back publication of scheduled content. Those issues have been addressed, the company says.

Finally, Apple plans to introduce "additional enhancements" to Podcast's Library in the coming weeks, an apparent change spurred by listener feedback regarding the app's most recent update.

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8 Comments

Wgkrueger 352 comments · 8 Years

About 3 years ago

So, in three days?

mpantone 2254 comments · 18 Years

Wgkrueger said:

So, in three days?

Unlikely. This should come as no surprise to any podcast content creator.

This announcement to content producers was made three days before the end of the month; moreover Monday the 31st is a national holiday here in the US.

Most likely Apple has delayed the debut to late June. They aren't going to flick the switch on June 1.

22july2013 3736 comments · 11 Years

Details are likely to be announced at the WWDC on or about June 7.

cgWerks 2947 comments · 8 Years

22july2013 said:

Details are likely to be announced at the WWDC on or about June 7.

I doubt they'd spend any WWDC-distraction time on it. It's hardly news to the podcast community, let alone developers and the audience of the keynote.

22july2013 said:

Details are likely to be announced at the WWDC on or about June 7.

Again unlikely.

It's not like podcasts are a new content type or major revenue stream. Most likely the announcement will be made through standard communication channels to podcast developers or mentioned during online podcast-focused WWDC sessions.