Apple Podcasts can now be used on web browsers. This audio streaming service was first introduced in iTunes in 2005 and has now expanded to work on different platforms.
Apple Music, Apple TV, and iCloud are already accessible on web browsers, and there are Windows apps available for all three services. Apple recently surprised users by launching Apple Maps on the web, now supporting Firefox, which was not possible initially.
How to Use Apple Podcasts in Your Web Browser
Now, Apple Podcasts work smoothly on major web browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari. I personally tested it on Firefox and Brave, and it worked perfectly. While the Podcasts app is available for macOS, using it on a browser can offer a more convenient experience.
To access Apple Podcasts on web browsers, just go to https://podcasts.apple.com/. You can use the search bar on the left to find a specific show, discover new podcasts in the library, or explore the Top Charts to find interesting podcasts.
Although you can listen to episodes without signing in, there are some limitations. For instance, signing in to your Apple account is necessary to access episodes containing explicit content and helps in syncing across devices. If you’re already subscribed to shows on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, signing in allows you to quickly access them through the web app. The only feature missing in the web app appears to be the absence of transcripts available in the Podcasts app.
It’s important to mention that Apple Podcasts on the web is a valuable addition, especially for users who don’t have a Mac. If you have a Windows or Linux computer and an iPhone or iPad, you can still enjoy this service even without an Apple device. This move by Apple makes the service available to a wider range of users. While some podcasts may contain ads, Apple doesn’t insert ads in episodes; podcast hosts may include ads directly in the feed. Adding podcasts through RSS feeds is not directly supported, but you can probably add them through the Podcasts app on your iPhone or Mac and access them on the website.
If you prefer a standalone desktop app for listening to and downloading podcasts, gPodder is a good option available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Alternatively, for a browser extension, you can consider using the podStation add-on for Chrome. Android users can explore AntennaPod on Google Play or F-Droid.
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