Podcasts+ Could Be Apple's Next Subscription Service
Apple is widely believed to be preparing to launch a new podcasts subscription service, according to a variety of reports.
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Apple already has a popular Podcasts app and maintains a podcast distribution service on its Mac and iOS platforms, but the company has attempted to monetize it to date. By creating a paid podcasting service, Apple could potentially lure podcast creators with the promise of increased profits, stealing them away from other platforms like Spotify, SiriusXM, and Amazon.
A recent report by Loup Ventures analysts made the case for a new Apple service tentatively titled "Podcasts+." According to the report, Podcasts+ would form a tier in the existing Podcasts app, offering a selection of exclusive premium shows.
The service is speculated to be bundled as a part of Apple One as well as Apple Music, with no added charge for existing paid subscribers. Podcasts+ would help to "drive incremental interest" in Apple Music and Apple One as a result, "generating high-margin, recurring revenue."
Spotify has moved aggressively into podcasts, acquiring the exclusive rights to popular shows and removing them from other services. Podcasts+ would enable Apple to claw back space within the field.
Apple has been repeatedly rumored to be moving into exclusive podcasts, some of which are expected to focus on its Apple TV+ output. Apple was even holding talks to purchase podcast network Wondery before it was bought by Amazon, and completed the acquisition of podcasts app Scout FM in September 2020.
The Information and Bloomberg have since reinforced the rumor, explaining that talks between Apple and production companies for a new podcast service are ongoing. As yet, it is unclear if Apple will follow through with the service, but the evidence suggests that it is highly likely.
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Apple has held talks with podcast network Wondery about a potential acquisition, reports Bloomberg. Wondery is responsible for popular podcasts that include "Dirty John" and "Dr. Death," among others.
Wondery is looking for $300 to $400 million and has also held talks with Sony Music Entertainment and other companies, though Spotify is said to be "out of the running." At that price point, Blo...
Apple is considering launching a new subscription service that would be focused on podcasts, according to unnamed sources that spoke to The Information. The service would charge people to listen to podcasts.
By creating a paid podcasting service, Apple could potentially lure podcast creators with the promise of more money, stealing them away from other platforms like Spotify, SiriusXM, and...
Spotify has been making inroads in the podcasting market over the course of the last few years, ramping up its original podcast offerings and making major acquisitions like Gimlet Media, Parcast, and Anchor, as well as scoring key deals such as the rights to the popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
Spotify's efforts may be paying off, according to a new forecast shared today by eMarketer...
Apple may announce a podcasts subscription service at its "Spring Loaded" event tomorrow, according to Vox's Peter Kafka and findings in the beta of iOS 14.5.
Kafka remarked in a tweet, spotted by 9to5Mac, that he is "pretty sure Apple is prepping its own podcast plan - a paid subscription service - on Tuesday." MacRumors contributor Steve Moser has now said that Kafka's claim lines up with...
Apple has today announced the launch of a new true crime podcast and Apple TV+ show titled "The Line" (via Variety).
The Line encompasses two independent non-fiction series about the same subject, including a six-part non-fiction podcast and a four-part limited documentary series on Apple TV+.
The multi-media series is set to expose "previously untold aspects" about the story of former...
Apple today announced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, allowing users to unlock additional podcast benefits such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series. Apple says that users will be able to enjoy a range of premium subscriptions from NPR, the Los Angeles Times, Sony Music Entertainment, and more. Listeners will also be able to access...
Apple has signed a deal for a podcast focusing on pop culture icons Siegfried & Roy, reports Deadline. This will be one of Apple's first exclusive, original podcast offerings.
The Siegfried & Roy podcast will be exclusive to the Apple Podcasts app, and it comes as Apple is making a push into original podcast content. Apple recently announced plans to allow podcasters to collect subscription...
In order to continue improving its Podcast offerings experience, Apple earlier this year purchased podcast app Scout FM, reports Bloomberg.
The website for Scout FM is now defunct, but it was available on iPhones, Android devices, and Amazon smart speakers. Scout FM generated podcast stations covering various topics, similar to a radio station but for a podcast experience.
A person could...
Apple today announced a new podcasts subscription feature that's coming to the Podcasts app. Podcast subscriptions will let podcast publishers sell subscriptions to an individual show or a group of shows, with pricing starting at 49 cents per month.
Publishers will be able to set their own pricing, but according to Recode, Apple plans to take a cut. Apple will collect 30 percent of...
Apple today announced the upcoming launch of "For All Mankind: The Official Podcast," a podcast that will discuss popular Apple TV+ series "For All Mankind" as the second season resumes on February 19.
Hosted by Krys Marshall, who plays Commander Danielle Poole, the podcast will feature space experts, former astronauts, and "For All Mankind" cast and creators.In For All Mankind: The Official ...
