Recently Apple announces that iOS 16.4 will add new features for the Podcast app on iPhone, and the same will happen with iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3 for iPad, Mac, and CarPlay. The updates are already available in beta and should be available to the public in the spring.
The first of the changes concerns the inclusion of a new menu called “Channels”which will offer a list of podcast channels for iPhone, iPad and Mac. This will allow creators to bring all of their podcasts together in one place, making it easier for listeners to discover them.
As a second change, we have the Next queue will now include episodes saved by listeners in the library and episodes they’ve played from shows they don’t follow. To better understand, here is an example:
When you play an episode of a show you don’t follow, that episode will now stay in the “Next” list until you decide to finish listening to it, mark it as read, or delete it. New episodes of shows you follow, as well as those you’ve recently recorded, will appear at the top of the “Next” queue. While older episodes and those you started listening to will appear towards the end. Latest episodes of recently watched shows will appear at the start of Up Next, as will those categorized as “bonus”
With the third change, users will be able to track how many unread episodes they have. They will be able to tell by paying attention to the top part of each page of the program. Plus, they’ll be able to identify “Early Access” subscription episodes available to them as part of their Apple Podcasts subscriptions and more.
The Podcasts experience in CarPlay will also improve with iOS 16.4
The fourth change concerns the fact that iOS 16.4 will also include improvements in the Podcasts app for CarPlay. This includes access to the ‘Next’ list and the ‘Recently Played’ list from the ‘Listen Now’ option in CarPlay. Plus, in the “Explore” tab, you’ll find editorially curated podcast recommendations.
If you want to know more, visit the article “What’s new for Apple Podcasts”, Publication shared on the Apple site.