Apple unwrapped its latest bid to boost content revenue: The tech giant announced that it will roll out subscriptions for Apple Podcasts with select partners starting next month. It’s also launching an enhanced version of the Apple Podcasts app with the latest version of its iOS 14.5 operating system.
It’s the “biggest change to Apple Podcasts since its debut,” CEO Tim Cook said on the livestream for Apple’s “Spring Loaded” virtual product launch event Tuesday. The company first launched podcast support in 2005, when it added the ability to download and listen to podcasts into iTunes.
Pricing for each podcast subscription is set by creators (billed monthly by default) as are perks included with each plan — which may include no ads, exclusive bonus content, and early or exclusive access to new series.
As is the case under its current App Store policies, Apple will keep 30% of podcast-subscription fees in the first year and 15% in subsequent years. Podcast creators and publishers also can offer annual billing options, as well as free trials and sample episodes.
Source: Variety
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