Apple Podcasts can now be streamed from the web: Apple announced on Monday that the Apple Podcasts app is now available on all major web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari) in more than 170 countries.
The new dedicated web experience is intended to make podcasts easily accessible to anyone with a web browser on any device. Web listening has been available for some time, but to listen to an episode, users had to search for the show in a search engine and visit the show's Apple Podcasts preview page.
Now, Apple Podcasts on the web has launched a new interface, giving users access to features previously only available in the app, including browsing millions of shows, accessing sections like the library and top charts, and purchasing premium podcast subscriptions. Listeners can sync their Apple account to pause podcasts and save playback progress to listen later, see their followed shows and subscriptions, and more. Users without an Apple account can also use the web experience, but only able to browse and listen.
Apple Podcasts joins a range of start-up and indie platforms, including web-based podcast players such as Castbox, Podbay, Podcast App and Podurama, as well as music streaming giants YouTube Music, Amazon Music and Spotify.
This addition is likely to be well received by podcast fans who don't want to install a separate app but still want access to certain features. For podcasters, Apple Podcasts on the web lets you share links to your episodes, shows and channels, helping you reach a wider audience around the world.
Users can check out the new site by visiting podcasts.apple.com.