Apple has rolled out an update to its Podcasts app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, introducing features that simplify the process of finding content in your preferred genres. The update introduces nine new subcategories: Mental Health, Relationships, Self-Improvement, Personal Journals, Entrepreneurship, Documentary, Parenting, Books, and Language Learning. These additions complement the existing subcategories such as True Crime and Sports.
In recent years, Apple has placed a strong emphasis on mental health, evident through the introduction of the Journal app that enables users to document their emotions. Additionally, the company incorporated a mood tracking feature as part of iOS 17’s Health offering. The inclusion of the Mental Health subcategory, alongside Relationships, Self-Improvement, and Personal Journals, aligns with Apple’s focus on mental well-being.
For each subcategory, Apple provides dedicated charts showcasing the top shows and episodes in your specific market. As Apple stated in its Podcasts for Creators blog, “For example, a listener in the U.S. can browse the charts for Mental Health, which display the top 200 shows and top 200 episodes available in the U.S. based on a mix of listening, follows, and completion rate.”
In comparison, Spotify offers eight main podcast categories and an extensive list of 54 subcategories. YouTube features 14 main podcast categories, while PocketCast offers 19, but neither platform provides subcategories. With its recent additions, Apple aims to strike a balance, offering users a diverse selection without overwhelming them.
Subscribe to the BuyTechBlog Deals Newsletter
Receive exclusive deals on consumer electronics straight to your inbox, curated by the BuyTechBlog editorial team. View the latest offers.
Subscribe
By subscribing, you agree to BuyTechBlog’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
Furthermore, the nine new subcategories, along with the existing 19 primary categories, have received updated artwork and recommendations. These recommendations include New & Noteworthy shows, Shows of the Month, Feature Channels, Creators, and global Highlights.
With the imminent release of iOS 17, Apple plans to introduce additional Podcasts features, including a revamped Now Play experience, Queue functionality, episode art, search filters, and more. While Podcasts updates have been relatively infrequent, with the last major update occurring a year ago with the introduction of new Podcasts Charts, Apple’s primary competitor Spotify, which heavily invested in podcasts in 2019, recently downsized its podcast division by laying off 200 employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Podcast discovery
What are the new features introduced in Apple Podcasts update?
Apple Podcasts update brings new subcategories, making it easier to discover content in your favorite genres. It includes categories such as Mental Health, Relationships, Self-Improvement, Personal Journals, Entrepreneurship, Documentary, Parenting, Books, and Language Learning. Additionally, there are enhanced charts and recommendations for each category.
How does Apple support mental health in Podcasts?
Apple has been focusing on mental health and introduced the Journal app for documenting emotions. The Podcasts update includes a Mental Health subcategory along with Relationships, Self-Improvement, and Personal Journals. These additions aim to provide relevant content for users interested in mental well-being.
What charts are available for each subcategory in Apple Podcasts?
For each subcategory, Apple provides charts that display the top 200 shows and top 200 episodes in your specific market. The rankings are based on a mix of listening, follows, and completion rate, allowing you to discover popular podcasts within each genre.
How does Apple Podcasts compare to other platforms like Spotify and YouTube?
Apple Podcasts offers a good selection of primary categories and subcategories without overwhelming users. Spotify has eight main podcast categories and 54 subcategories, while YouTube features 14 main categories and PocketCast offers 19. However, neither Spotify nor YouTube currently provide subcategories for further content refinement.
What upcoming features can we expect in Apple Podcasts?
With the release of iOS 17, Apple plans to introduce additional features to Podcasts. These include a refreshed Now Play experience, Queue functionality, episode art, search filters, and more. These updates aim to enhance the overall podcast listening experience for users.
What recent developments have occurred in the podcasting industry?
While Apple has been updating its Podcasts app, Spotify, one of its major rivals, recently downsized its podcast division by laying off 200 employees. This showcases the evolving landscape of the podcasting industry and the competition between major platforms.
More about Podcast discovery
- Apple Podcasts
- Apple Journal app
- Podcasts for Creators blog
- Spotify
- YouTube
- PocketCast
- iOS 17
- BuyTechBlog
4 comments
Finally, Apple Podcasts is stepping up its game! I’ve been wanting more specific categories to find podcasts that match my interests. Mental health, personal journals, and language learning are right up my alley. Kudos to Apple for making it easier to dive into new topics!
It’s good to see Apple enhancing their podcast app. While Spotify and YouTube have more categories, Apple seems to strike a good balance with subcategories. Now I can find more shows on sports and true crime without getting overwhelmed. Keep the updates coming!
iOS 17 is bringing some exciting features to Apple Podcasts. The refreshed Now Play experience and search filters will make it even more convenient to enjoy my favorite shows. I hope the update rolls out soon. Apple is ahead of the game in the podcasting world!
Apple keeps impressing with their podcast app updates. The addition of subcategories and enhanced charts will definitely help users discover new and interesting content. Can’t wait to explore the mental health and self-improvement genres!