# iOS 26: What’s New in the Podcasts App

**URL:** <https://intoguide.com/t/ios-26-what-s-new-in-the-podcasts-app/1283>\
**Category:** iOS\
**Created:** [April 25, 2026, 9:33am UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/ios-26-what-s-new-in-the-podcasts-app/1283 "2026-04-25T09:33:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wasabi](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/intoguide.com/wasabi/32/646_2.png) [@wasabi](https://intoguide.com/u/wasabi)\
**Post date:** [April 25, 2026, 9:33am UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/ios-26-what-s-new-in-the-podcasts-app/1283/1 "2026-04-25T09:33:16Z")

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# iOS 26 Podcasts App Changes (Rewritten Overview)

Apple’s Podcasts app didn’t receive a major overhaul in iOS 26 compared to some other Apple apps, but it still includes a set of **useful design refinements and playback improvements** that enhance usability and audio control.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/e/e7916d2fdb06e8fd32d0a169cc198f3dd44084e7.jpeg)

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## 🎨 Design Updates: Liquid Glass

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/e/e7916d2fdb06e8fd32d0a169cc198f3dd44084e7.jpeg)

The Podcasts app now follows Apple’s new **Liquid Glass design language** , giving it a more modern and layered visual style.

| Feature | Change in iOS 26 |
| --- | --- |
| UI Style | Translucent “glass-like” elements |
| Background Behavior | Podcast artwork shines through UI layers |
| Buttons | More rounded and softer appearance |
| Navigation Bar | Reduced visual footprint at bottom of screen |
| App Icon | Redesigned as stacked layers of glass |

### Navigation Changes

| Area | Update |
| --- | --- |
| Browse Tab | Renamed to **New** |
| Search Tab | Search bar moved to bottom of screen |
| Overall Layout | Cleaner, more minimal interface |

* * *

## ⏩ Updated Playback Speed Controls

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/3/31b93e850d7935b2ca1f919f498df612293f52c0.jpeg)

Apple has significantly improved speed customization for podcasts.

| Feature | iOS 18 | iOS 26 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Speed Options | Fixed presets (1.25x–2x range) | Expanded range (0.5x–3x) |
| Adjustment Method | Tap-only selection | Tap + drag dial control |
| Precision | Limited steps | Fine-tuned 0.1x increments |

### How It Works

- Tap the **“1x” speed button** during playback

- Choose a preset speed or use a **dial for fine adjustments**

- Adjust in small increments for precise listening control

* * *

## 🎧 Enhance Dialogue Feature

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/3/31b93e850d7935b2ca1f919f498df612293f52c0.jpeg)

A new audio processing option improves speech clarity in noisy environments.

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Name | Enhance Dialogue |
| Function | Isolates and boosts voice audio |
| Benefit | Reduces background noise interference |
| Use Case | Podcasts with music, ambient noise, or low-quality audio |

### How to Enable

- Start playing a podcast

- Open full-screen playback controls

- Tap **“1x” speed menu**

- Select **Enhance Dialogue**

* * *

## ⚙ Per-Show Personalization

One of the most practical changes is that settings are now **saved per podcast** , not globally.

| Setting | Behavior in iOS 26 |
| --- | --- |
| Playback Speed | Saved individually per show |
| Enhance Dialogue | Saved per podcast |
| Global Impact | No longer affects all podcasts at once |

### Why This Matters

- Each podcast can have its own preferred listening setup

- No need to reconfigure settings every time

- Prevents conflicts between different audio styles (e.g., interviews vs storytelling shows)

* * *

## 🧭 Summary

The iOS 26 Podcasts update focuses on **refinement rather than reinvention** , with improvements in three key areas:

- ✨ Modern Liquid Glass visual redesign

- 🎚 More flexible and precise playback speed control

- 🎧 Smarter voice clarity with Enhance Dialogue

- 🧠 Per-show memory for personalized listening experience

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If you want, I can also turn this into a **“what changed vs iOS 18” comparison sheet for all Apple apps (Music, Podcasts, TV, etc.)**.