Apple has long been a leader in the digital music and media space, offering users seamless experiences across its services and devices. With the increasing popularity of podcasts over the last decade, it’s natural for users to wonder how Apple integrates podcasts into its ever-evolving listening platforms, particularly Apple Music. This article will provide a comprehensive explanation to the question: Does Apple Music have podcasts?
TL;DR: As of now, Apple Music itself does not host traditional podcasts in the way Apple Podcasts does. Instead, Apple has opted to offer podcasts through a separate, dedicated app called Apple Podcasts. However, some spoken-word and exclusive audio content is available through Apple Music, leading to some confusion. If you’re looking for a full podcast experience, the Apple Podcasts app is the correct platform to use.
The Difference Between Apple Music and Apple Podcasts
The first key to understanding this topic lies in differentiating between two distinct Apple services: Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
- Apple Music: A subscription-based streaming service offering access to over 100 million songs, curated playlists, radio stations, and some exclusive content such as interviews and artist-driven shows.
- Apple Podcasts: A free app and platform from Apple that aggregates and hosts a vast library of podcasts in all genres—technology, news, health, comedy, and more.
While both are media platforms, they serve different functions. Apple Podcasts is the go-to app for traditional podcasts, whereas Apple Music is primarily a music-focused service. Although they may seem interchangeable at first glance, their content and infrastructure are quite separate.
Can You Listen to Podcasts on Apple Music?
No, traditional podcasts are not hosted on Apple Music. However, there are some exceptions and gray areas that might lead to confusion.
Apple Music has introduced exclusive audio content such as:
- Artist interviews and commentary
- Short-form talk series
- DJ-hosted radio shows (e.g., Apple Music 1 content)
These types of content resemble podcasts in structure, but they are not part of the Apple Podcasts library and do not follow the traditional podcast distribution model (i.e., RSS feeds). Instead, they are integrated directly into the Apple Music app and intended to supplement the music-listening experience.
Where Do I Go to Find Podcasts on an Apple Device?
If you’re looking for actual podcasts—regardless of your interests—you’ll want to use the Apple Podcasts app. This app is often pre-installed on all Apple devices, and it provides access to a catalog of over 2 million free podcasts.
To access Apple Podcasts:
- Open the Apple Podcasts app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch
- Use the search functionality to find specific shows, topics, or creators
- Subscribe to your favorites to get notified of new episodes
- Download episodes for offline listening
You do not need an Apple Music subscription to use Apple Podcasts. The service is almost entirely free, although some podcast creators may offer subscription-based premium content through their own tier systems via Apple.
What Content on Apple Music Might Be Mistaken for Podcasts?
Apple Music occasionally blurs the line between music content and long-form audio by offering what could be mistaken for podcasts. Here are a few examples:
- Apple Music 1: A 24/7 global radio station featuring artist interviews, live DJ sets, and host-led discussions. Unlike podcasts, these broadcasts are live or scheduled, though some shows are archived for on-demand streaming.
- Exclusive Artist Content: Apple Music works with artists to provide behind-the-scenes discussions, creative insights, and track breakdowns, which may appear in the format of storytelling or interviews.
- Lyric and Concept Discussions: Certain albums come with audio extras where the artist talks through the lyrics or story behind each track. These resemble podcast features but remain within the music domain.
Even though these audio formats mirror the conversational tone of podcasts, they are curated specifically for the Apple Music environment and do not follow the open or syndicated podcast model.
Why Apple Keeps Podcasts and Music Separate
Apple’s decision to split music and podcasts into separate applications may seem inconvenient but serves a distinct strategic and user-friendly purpose.
Some of the reasons include:
- Clear User Experiences: By segmenting the two types of content, Apple ensures that music lovers and podcast fans can enjoy their chosen medium without distraction or overlap.
- Optimized App Designs: Each app is designed with unique user interfaces tailored to its content type. Podcast directories, show notes, and episode subscriptions require a different interaction model than playlists and albums.
- Content Licensing and Monetization: Apple Music requires licensed music distribution, while podcast content is more decentralized. Keeping the platforms separate allows Apple to manage and monetize both types more effectively.
Are There Any Plans to Combine the Two?
As of the current state of Apple’s ecosystem in 2024, there are no announced plans to merge Apple Music and Apple Podcasts into a single app or platform. However, Apple is known for refining its services, and user demand may eventually drive closer integration—if not full unification—of the listening platforms.
Notably, Spotify has taken a different approach by consolidating music and podcasts into one app, creating a unified profile for all kinds of audio content. Apple, on the other hand, appears to be maintaining its dual-app structure for clarity and specialization.
What About Subscription Podcasts?
In 2021, Apple introduced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, a monetization option that allows podcast creators to offer paid premium content such as:
- Ad-free episodes
- Early access to new episodes
- Exclusive content
It’s important to note that these subscriptions are tied to the Apple Podcasts app, not Apple Music. Apple handles the payment processing and subscriber management, much like how they manage app subscriptions through the App Store.
Conclusion: Which App Should You Use?
To sum it up clearly and decisively: if you’re looking to stream music, use Apple Music; if you’re looking to listen to podcasts, use Apple Podcasts.
Here are some helpful guidelines:
- Use Apple Music for songs, albums, and some limited audio content that supports musical experiences.
- Use Apple Podcasts for discovering, subscribing to, and listening to traditional and premium podcasts.
While there is occasionally overlap in the audio styles presented in each app, Apple deliberately separates these services to provide a more focused and rich user experience. So next time you’re unsure where to find that podcast episode or artist interview, remember which platform serves which type of content.
