The Apple Podcasts app doesn't run banner ads, but most podcasts you play in it still have ads inside the episodes: sponsor segments the host reads, and ads the publisher inserts into the audio. Apple Podcasts plays them. The only ad-free route inside Apple Podcasts is paying an individual show for a subscription that includes ad-free episodes, if that show offers one.
Where the ads come from
The ads aren't Apple's. They're part of each episode:
- Host-read sponsor segments are recorded into the show.
- Inserted ads are stitched into the audio file by the podcast's hosting company when you download the episode.
Because they're in the audio itself, no app setting turns them off. That's true in every mainstream podcast app, not just Apple's. Spotify is the same: Spotify Premium still plays podcast ads.
Ad-free episodes with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions
Some creators sell a subscription through Apple Podcasts. Each show sets its own price and decides what's included; for some it's ad-free episodes, for others it's bonus episodes or early access. Subscriptions can be shared with up to five family members through Family Sharing.
It works well for one or two favourite shows. It gets expensive across a whole listening list, and many shows don't offer one at all.
Can you skip ads in Apple Podcasts?
Only by hand, with the skip-forward button. Apple Podcasts doesn't find or skip ads automatically.
Apple Podcasts vs Castria
| Apple Podcasts | Castria | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; some shows sell subscriptions | Free; optional Premium subscription |
| Ads inside episodes | Plays them, unless you pay that show | Skips them automatically, free |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, CarPlay, web | iPhone, iPad, Android, web; Apple Watch and CarPlay with Premium |
| Android | No | Yes |
| Transcripts | Yes | Yes, searchable |
| Account needed | Your Apple Account | A free Castria account |
Apple Podcasts is the better choice if you want something already on your iPhone that works with Siri, HomePod, Apple TV and your Mac, and the ads don't bother you much.
Castria is the better choice if the ads do bother you, or if you also listen on Android.
Moving from Apple Podcasts to Castria
Castria searches Apple's podcast directory, so every show you follow in Apple Podcasts can be found by name in Castria. Search for each one and tap follow. Your shows then work on iPhone, Android and the web from one account.