The Next Web points to a Tweet from developer Shahruz Shaukat noting that the desktop version of iTunes is currently experiencing an interesting glitch in which searching for "podcast" or "podcasts" in the U.S. iTunes Store yields only a single app result: Apple's own Podcasts app. Clicking through to "See all" under both iPhone and iPad apps similarly displays only Apple's app.

podcasts itunes glitch 1
Default results showing only Apple's Podcasts app

The issue is clearly a glitch, as the behavior is not consistent across international stores and even within the U.S. store, where the issue appears in the default "All Results" display but not when results are filtered to show only apps. The issue is also not present in searches performed in the App Store application on iOS.

podcasts itunes glitch 2
Filtering results to show only apps displays full set of results

Apple has yet to fix the issue, which was noticed by Shaukat over 18 hours ago.

Top Rated Comments

Dragonforce Avatar
141 months ago
That's a good way to "promote" your own App(le) :)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Overniven Avatar
141 months ago
While they in research mode to fix this issue, how about fixing the abomination that is the Podcast app.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djrod Avatar
141 months ago
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
autrefois Avatar
141 months ago
A bit tongue in cheek but it seems they put the quotations around the wrong word. Perhaps the title should read: iTunes Store 'Glitch' Limits Podcast Search Results to Apple's Own App

Or perhaps:

iTunes Store Glitch Limits Podcast Search Results to Apple's Own 'App'
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The Phazer Avatar
141 months ago
It kinda makes sense to me. That app is probably the most relevant result for that search. Searching for "podcasts" is kinda dumb anyway, unless you want the Apple app. It is like searching iTunes for "music".

Why is it dumb to search for a podcast client with the word "podcasts"???

And anyone wanting to listen to Podcasts would be looking for literally anything other than Apple's dreadful app.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
autrefois Avatar
141 months ago
While they in research mode to fix this issue, how about fixing the abomination that is the Podcast app.
My thinking is that the horror that is the Podcasts app is somehow to blame for this. It's not enough anymore for it just to be arguably the worst piece of software ever released by Apple -- it is now intent on spreading its awfulness and will not be happy until it destroys all! :D
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)