The implementation of podcasts in iOS has traditionally seemed like an afterthought. In order to find a podcast, you had to jump over to iTunes, find the episode you wanted, download it, and then hop back over to the music app to play it, in the same fashion as you would a playlist. Apple provided no options to automatically download episodes, subscribe to certain shows, or sync podcasts across devices. With iOS 6, this could all change, according to All Things D.
If the rumors turn out to be true, Apple will soon be launching a dedicated podcast app along with iOS 6, which is expected to be released in fall. Unfortunately, it appears that OS X users will still have to interact with iTunes in order to manage podcasts. This alleged app will allow users to “discover, download, and play” podcasts on their mobile devices.
iOS 6, which was made available to developers this week, further solidifies this rumor, as it contains no mention of podcasts of any kind in the iTunes app. There is no podcast section, and searching for a podcast yields no results. It is likely that we will not see this podcast app appear in any beta of iOS 6, since Apple usually likes to reserve a few features to announce at launch.
If Apple wishes to compete in this field, they have some stiff competition, such as the likes of Instacast and Downcast, two of the most popular podcast apps currently on the App Store. Including the app with the OS may be just enough to kill the competition though, since most podcasting apps aren’t free.
Interestingly enough, it also appears that Apple may also be completely removing iTunes U from the iTunes app, further defining this trend of iTunes being split up into dedicated apps.
Source: All Things D
Michael Steeber is a student who is obsessed with everything Apple. He enjoys making videos and runs the MSComputerVideos YouTube channel in his free time. You can follow him on Twitter as well.
6 responses to “Is Apple Getting Ready To Launch A New Podcast App With iOS 6?”
Click more in the lower right hand side and podcast as well as iTunesU appears. It is also where you find Albums. Did you guys actually look or are you making this stuff up as you go along?
Well he did say “may also be completely removing iTunes U“, which doesn’t mean its happened yet
“iOS 6, which was made available to developers this week, further solidifies this rumor, as it contains no mention of podcasts of any kind in the iTunes app. There is no podcast section, and searching for a podcast yields no results.”
My issue is with this comment. The All Thing D article says it may be removed from the final build of iOS 6. The current beta still has Podcasts in the iTunes App.
OMG you’re right! I couldn’t possibly stretch my budget to include a $1 dollar app because Apple is making a FREE ONE!
Seriously? Unless Apple puts out a HELL of a podcast app, they won’t drag me away from Instacast, which actually adds features all the time, with a team of horses.
I would like it if the would integrate a podcast manager into iCloud / iTunes match.
I think that a podcast app will happen. I think apple is going to go head to head with youtube,,, given the recent new maps, and siri,, apple has all but said it is going after google….that being said my only thought is this;