Apple delaying launch of Podcasts Subscriptions until June
Apple has reached out to podcast creators today to inform them that the launch of Podcasts Subscriptions, Apple’s new service that allows podcasters to offer paid subscriptions, is being delayed until June.
In an email on Friday, Apple said “To ensure we are delivering the best experience for creators and listeners, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will now launch in June.”
Apple announced Podcast Subscriptions in April. Originally slated to launch before the end of May, the service will let listeners in more than 170 countries and regions individually subscribe to their favourite shows, offering a variety of benefits curated by creators, such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series.
Apple added support for the service with iOS 14.6, but the feature was missing without explanation.
Apple did not provide a specific reason for why Podcasts Subscriptions has been delayed or at what point the service will arrive next month.
See Apple’s email below…
We’re writing to provide an update on the availability of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels. We’ve been delighted by the response to last month’s announcement and it’s exciting to see the hundreds of new subscriptions and channels submitted from creators across the globe every day.
To ensure we are delivering the best experience for creators and listeners, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will now launch in June. We will communicate further updates on availability, and best practices to help you prepare your subscriptions and channels, through this newsletter.
Over the last few weeks, some creators have experienced delays in the availability of their content and access to Apple Podcasts Connect. We’ve addressed these disruptions and encourage creators experiencing any issues to contact us.
We’ve also heard from listeners and made adjustments based on their feedback with iOS 14.6, which was released on Monday. We will introduce additional enhancements to Library in the coming weeks.