Apple released its rumored Podcasts app on Tuesday well ahead of the launch of iOS 6. The app lets iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users find, organize, and listen to podcasts that are available through the iTunes Store.
The Podcast app splits podcasts out of the Music app, which was rumored to be coming when iOS 6 ships this fall.
Apple’s new Podcasts app for the iPhone and iPad
The app supports audio and video podcasts, includes a Top Stations feature for finding popular shows, supports offline viewing or online streaming, syncs with iTunes on your computer, syncs your current play point in podcasts with your other iOS devices, includes a sleep timer for listening to shows in bed, and supports sharing favorite shows via Twitter, Messages or email.
Podcasts is free and requires iOS 5.1 or later. The app is available for download at Apple’s iTunes-based App Store.