Are Apple Podcasts Free?
Apple Podcasts have consistently remained popular over time, and for good reason. They offer a wide variety of audio shows for anyone looking to discover unique and engaging content. Apple Podcasts is a native application that is readily available to iOS users. One common question that people have asked over time is whether Apple Podcasts are free. The simple answer is yes, Apple Podcasts are free.
With Apple Podcasts, users have access to an extensive library with over 1.5 million shows, and all of these can be accessed without paying any fee whatsoever. The app is free and can be downloaded on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch that uses iOS 14 or later.
It is essential to note that some podcasts require in-app purchases or premium subscriptions to access certain features or content. For instance, some podcast creators may charge a fee for early access to new episodes, episodes without ads, or exclusive content. Still, the majority of podcasts do not have any associated costs.
Overall, Apple Podcasts offer a wide variety of options for users to access and listen to podcasts for free.
Exploring the Features of Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts come with a range of features and functions that enable users to explore and enjoy a wide variety of podcast shows. The app has a user-friendly and intuitive design that makes it easy to navigate and brightens ‘listening’ moments. Setting up Apple Podcasts is easy; all you need is an Apple ID.
The app’s features include:
Searching for and Subscribing to Podcasts
The search feature helps users find and subscribe to their favorite podcast shows. Search results can be filtered by episode, show, or even creator. Subscribing to a particular podcast show means that new episodes of that show get automatically downloaded onto the user’s device.
Browsing Categories
Apple Podcasts have curated categories that allow users to discover new podcast shows based on their interests. Categories range from Daily News to Business & Finance to Fiction podcasts
Leaving Reviews
Listeners can leave reviews for their favorite podcast shows, rating them on a scale of one to five stars.
Tips for Effectively Using Apple Podcasts
Tip #1: Downloading podcast episodes saves data and makes it easier to listen on the go.
Tip #2: Play around with the app’s playback speeds to adjust the pace of the speech.
Tip #3: Use Siri voice commands for a hands-free listening experience.
Pros and Cons of Using Apple Podcasts
As with any app, Apple Podcasts has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Firstly, Apple Podcasts is native to Apple’s iOS operating system, making it easier to integrate with other Apple products. Secondly, it offers a wide variety of shows and is free to use. Finally, it has a user-friendly design and provides useful recommendations based on your listening history.
Disadvantages
The app lacks customization options for fast forwarding and rewinding, and some users report glitches with playback. Additionally, the app’s UI design has gone through some changes over time, making it challenging to navigate at times.
Apple Podcasts vs. Other Platforms
Apple Podcasts stacks up well against other podcast platforms, like Spotify and Google Podcasts. Apple Podcasts offers unique features like curated recommendations based on the listener’s history, while Spotify may offer more unique podcast content that cannot be found on Apple Podcasts. Google Podcasts, on the other hand, offers better customization options but has a smaller library of shows.
Highlighting Interesting Podcasts
Here is a list of interesting, must-listen podcasts on Apple Podcasts:
The Daily by The New York Times
This unique podcast offers daily news podcast episodes to subscribe to, tackling significant and important stories, with new episodes released every weekday.
Stuff You Should Know
This podcast has been around since 2008 and has remained an important listen. Every episode, Josh Clark and Charles W. Bryant explain a new and interesting topic in a fun and informative way.
Serial
Talk about a podcast that created a sensation; This true-crime series hosted by Sarah Koenig became a cultural phenomenon in 2014 and earned its spot as the first podcast to win a Peabody Award.
Beginner’s Guide to Using Apple Podcasts
Here’s a step-by-step guide for beginner’s looking to use Apple Podcasts:
Step 1 – Download the app
The app can be downloaded on any device running iOS 14 or later and is available on the Apple app store.
Step 2 – Sign in with your Apple ID
If you don’t have an Apple ID, create one. Otherwise, sign in with your credentials.
Step 3 – Search for your favorite podcast show
Use the app’s search feature to find your preferred podcast show.
Step 4 – Subscribe to the podcast
Once you find your chosen podcast, hit the “subscribe” button to access its latest episodes automatically.
Conclusion
Apple Podcasts is an excellent app for anyone interested in podcasts. It offers ease of use, a wide array of shows, and a user-friendly design. The app is free to use, although some podcast shows might require in-app purchases or premium subscriptions. Regardless, Apple Podcasts remain an affordable, accessible, and enjoyable platform for all podcast listeners.
