Apple has recently updated its Podcasts app on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, introducing new features that aim to make it easier for users to find content in their favorite genres. This update includes the addition of nine new subcategories, namely Mental Health, Relationships, Self-Improvement, Personal Journals, Entrepreneurship, Documentary, Parenting, Books, and Language Learning. These new subcategories join the existing ones like True Crime and Sports, among others.
Apple has been increasingly focused on mental health in recent years, as evidenced by its introduction of the Journal app, which allows users to document their emotions and feelings. Additionally, the company recently introduced a mood tracking feature as part of the Health app in iOS 17. The inclusion of the Mental Health subcategory in Podcasts, along with other categories like Relationships, Self-Improvement, and Personal Journals, reflects Apple’s commitment to addressing mental health concerns and promoting personal well-being.
In each subcategory, users can access charts that showcase the top shows and episodes in their specific market. For example, a listener in the United States can browse the charts for the Mental Health subcategory, which displays the top 200 shows and episodes available in the US based on a combination of listening, follows, and completion rates. This allows users to discover new and popular content within their areas of interest.
Comparatively, other podcast platforms offer different levels of categorization. Spotify, for instance, has eight primary podcast categories and a staggering 54 subcategories. YouTube, on the other hand, provides 14 main categories, while PocketCast offers 19 categories but no subcategories. With its new additions, Apple aims to strike a balance, providing users with a diverse range of categories and subcategories without overwhelming them.
Alongside the subcategory expansion, Apple has also updated the artwork and recommendations for the nine new subcategories and the existing 19 primary categories. These updates include showcases for New & Noteworthy shows, Shows of the Month, Feature Channels, and highlighted Creators. This curated selection helps users discover high-quality shows and channels across a variety of genres and topics.
Looking forward, Apple plans to introduce several new features for Podcasts in its upcoming iOS 17 release. These features include a refreshed Now Play experience and Queue, improved episode art, search filters, and more. While recent major updates to Podcasts have been sparse, with the last significant one occurring a year ago with the introduction of new Podcasts Charts, Apple continues to invest in enhancing the podcasting experience for its users. In contrast, its major competitor Spotify, which made significant investments in podcasts in 2019, has recently undergone layoffs in its podcast division, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of the podcast industry.
In conclusion, Apple’s latest update to its Podcasts app introduces nine new subcategories, expanding the range of content available to users. With a focus on mental health and personal development, these additions align with Apple’s commitment to promoting well-being and providing users with a curated and diverse listening experience. Furthermore, upcoming features in iOS 17 will further enhance the Podcasts app and solidify Apple’s position in the podcasting industry.
