Apple has taken a big but unexpected step towards inclusivity by launching “Podcasts on the Web,” a new website that allows Android and Windows users to play Apple Podcasts directly through their web browsers.
The new web-based interface works seamlessly on major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and a UX quite similar to the native Apple Podcasts app. Users can now search for, browse, and listen to their favorite podcasts without needing an Apple device or dedicated app.
Podcats will provide a consistent experience across devices, allowing listeners to pick up where they left off, regardless of the platform they’re using.
The launch of podcasts on the web came just a month after Apple introduced Apple Maps for web browsers across different platforms, making Apple services more accessible across different platforms. This strategy could be because Apple wants to attract new customers to its ecosystem or, perhaps, to collect data.
To play Apple Podcasts on the web, users can visit podcasts.apple.com. However, as revealed by MacRumors, Apple device owners with the Podcasts app installed will be automatically redirected to the app rather than the web interface.
I appreciate Apple’s efforts to be more inclusive, even if it’s through web browsers. A few years back, Apple introduced web-based FaceTime for Android users. However, what I’m really looking forward to is an Apple T.V. app for Android and Windows. This would help Apple compete with other major streaming platforms. Honestly, Android users won’t mind accessing Apple T.V.