Does Apple Music Include Podcasts? A Complete Audio Guide for 2026

The Short Answer: Are Podcasts on Apple Music?

Podcasts on Apple Music are not available because the company keeps its audio services divided into dedicated apps. Unlike Spotify, which merges all audio types into one single platform, Apple prefers to separate its media. If you are searching for why does Apple Music not have podcasts, it comes down to how Apple designs its user experience in 2026. Their philosophy is to keep the interface clean by giving music, podcasts, and audiobooks their own specific applications. Because of this, if you are asking does Apple Music include podcasts, you will not find any talk shows mixed in with your favorite songs.

Apple Music vs. Apple Podcasts: Understanding the Apps

Since these platforms are separate, it helps to understand what each app actually does on your phone.

• Apple Music is: A paid subscription service built entirely for streaming songs, albums, and music videos.

• Apple Podcasts is: A separate, mostly free app used for downloading and streaming talk shows and episodic audio content.

Many listeners ask, does Apple Music subscription include podcasts? You do not need an Apple Music subscription to listen to Apple Podcasts. The podcast app is free for anyone to use. However, some individual podcast creators offer premium paid subscriptions directly within the Podcasts app to give you ad-free listening or bonus episodes.

Does Apple Music Include Podcasts and Audiobooks?

Apple Music does not include podcasts and audiobooks. Just like the podcast app, audiobooks have their own dedicated space on your device. If you are searching for does Apple Music include podcasts and audiobooks, or does Apple Music have podcasts and books, you will actually need to use the Apple Books app. You can purchase and listen to all of your audiobooks directly in Apple Books, which keeps your long-form spoken audio completely separate from your daily music playlists.

Listening on Other Devices: Android and Web Integration

If you do not use an iPhone, you might wonder how this audio ecosystem works for you. When people ask does Apple Music have podcasts Android, the answer remains no. While Apple Music has a dedicated app for Android phones, the Apple Podcasts app is not available on Android devices in 2026. Android users who want to listen to Apple Podcasts will usually need to use the Apple web player in their internet browser or download a third-party podcast app, as the ecosystems function differently on competing devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does podcast come with Apple Music?

No, it does not. The Apple Podcasts app comes pre-installed on Apple devices for free, but it is not a part of the Apple Music app or its paid monthly subscription.

How many podcasts does Apple Music have?

There are zero podcasts in the actual Apple Music app. However, the separate Apple Podcasts app features millions of shows that you can stream or download.

Does Apple Music Replay include podcasts?

If you are looking up does Apple Music Replay include podcasts, the answer is no. Because they exist in separate apps, your end-of-year Apple Music Replay statistics only track the music you streamed, not the hours you spent listening to podcasts.

Does Apple Music have podcasts like Spotify?

Many users ask does Apple Music have podcasts like Spotify. Spotify puts all of its music, audiobooks, and podcasts into one app. Apple does not do this, choosing instead to separate them into Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Books.

What do Reddit users say about podcasts on Apple Music?

When searching for does Apple Music have podcasts Reddit, you will find mixed opinions in 2026. Some users love the separation because it keeps their music library clean, while others wish the apps were combined like Spotify so they do not have to switch between different apps while driving or working.