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In-App Subscriptions Finally Coming to Apple Podcasts
Now launching on June 15
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 10, 2021 12:27PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Streaming Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Apple Podcasts Subscriptions will allow listeners to subscribe to their favorite paid podcasts from directly within the Podcasts app, itself. Revealed in April and planned for a May 2021 launch, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions suddenly was delayed at the end of its intended release month. In an email to creators, Apple wrote, "To ensure we are delivering the best experience for creators and listeners, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will now launch in June." Austin Distel / Unsplash In a more recent email obtained by The Verge, Apple has revealed that the new intended release date is June 15. This addition will allow users to subscribe to their favorite podcasts without having to exit the Podcasts app—a convenience that Apple most likely hopes will result in more premium listeners. Having a single subscribe button is much more straightforward than having to search for a Patreon page or navigate a creator's personal subscription systems, but there is a trade-off. Handling subscriptions from within the app, itself, also means that Apple will be able to apply its 30% commission fees, which will then drop to 15% after one year. Apple Another trade-off with the ease of a one-click subscription is the cost of a podcaster's deeper connection with their audience. When using the Podcasts app, creators won't have the same level of access to their listeners that's afforded by more open-ended platforms such as Patreon. They won't be able to engage with newsletters, use direct messaging to troubleshoot or encourage community participation, and so on. Whether it helps or hurts (which likely won't be obvious for some time yet), Apple Podcasts Subscriptions should be available to all next week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix It When an Apple Podcast Won't Play The 10 Best Ways to Watch Movies With Friends Online How to Listen to Podcasts on iPhone and Mac TikTok vs. YouTube: Which One Is Right for You? How to Customize CarPlay and Unlock Hidden Secrets How to Download Podcasts Where Is 5G Available in Canada? (Updated for 2022) The 8 Best Podcast Apps for iPhone (2022) How to Listen to Podcasts What Is Stitcher and How Does It Work? How Do I Stop Podcasts Automatically Downloading to My MacBook? How to Add ID3 Tags to Your Podcast Metadata How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify Spotify Podcasts: How to Subscribe, Download, and Listen How to Get Disney Plus on Apple TV The 10 Best Podcast Apps for Android of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies