Apple announced that Apple Podcasts logged its strongest performance ever in 2025, posting record numbers of listeners, plays and subscribers, according to the company’s January service update. The milestone arrives despite fierce pressure from YouTube, Spotify and newer entrants like Netflix, which have siphoned off a sizable share of the podcast audience with video‑first formats. Historically, Apple dominated the space—iTunes launched the medium and the term “podcast” derived from the iPod—but the last few years have seen the market expand dramatically, turning the overall pie into a much larger, faster‑growing segment.

Apple’s growth therefore reflects a booming ecosystem rather than a resurgence of market share. Recent iOS 26.2 enhancements added useful tools for creators, hinting that Apple may soon tackle video podcasts more aggressively. Analysts will watch whether the next software iteration broadens the app’s appeal beyond audio‑only listeners.

For now, Apple’s record year underscores that even a shrinking slice can be lucrative when the whole market is on an upward trajectory.