Apple is rolling out a set of changes to its built‑in Podcasts app in iOS 26.2 that aim to make long episodes easier to navigate and references inside shows simpler to follow. The update—arriving in the developer beta now and expected to reach public users later this year—introduces automatically created chapter markers, in‑player mention links, and a new “From This Episode” links experience for show notes.
What’s new
- Automatically created chapters: When creators don’t provide chapter markers, Apple will generate them for episodes. According to Apple’s documentation, auto‑generated chapters will be labeled “Automatically Created,” can be edited by the podcast creator, and can be disabled in Apple Podcasts Connect. Early notes from beta testers and reporting indicate the feature is currently targeted at English‑language content; Apple has described availability for full and bonus U.S. English episodes longer than 10 minutes.
- Podcast mentions and followable links: When an episode mentions another podcast, listeners will be able to see and follow that referenced show directly from the player and the episode transcript. Apple says this will remove the friction of pausing and searching for recommended shows mid‑episode.
- From This Episode (timestamped links): Creators can add links—such as to Apple Music, Apple News, Apple Podcasts, or Apple TV—tied to specific timestamps in an episode. Those links appear in a banner on the Now Playing screen, are inline with the transcript, and are displayed on the episode page. If creators don’t supply links, Apple may automatically create links for podcasts that are mentioned; creators can opt out via Podcasts Connect.
How it works for creators
Apple will default to using producer‑supplied chapter markers when they exist; the auto‑generation is meant as a fallback. Creators retain control: automatically generated chapters are editable, and both auto‑chapters and automatically created mention links can be disabled in Apple Podcasts Connect.
Apple also documents the mechanics for timestamped links: if a creator includes a timestamp with a link in show notes or via RSS, the link will appear inline with the transcript and on the player at the moment the content is discussed.
Why Apple is doing this
The changes tackle two perennial podcasting problems: discoverability and the clumsiness of show notes. Auto chapters let listeners jump to sections that matter without manually scrubbing through an episode, while timed links and in‑player mentions reduce friction when creators reference music, news stories, other shows, or products.
For Apple, the features also align with broader investments in making audio more interactive and easier to navigate on the iPhone. Spotify introduced a similar auto‑chapter feature earlier this year, and Apple’s move narrows the feature gap between major podcast platforms.
Reactions, benefits and concerns
Proponents say the update should help listeners quickly find the parts of an episode they want, improve discovery for smaller shows, and make show notes actually usable during playback.
But creators and some listeners have raised questions: How accurate will auto‑generated chapter titles be? Will chapter markers enable easier skipping of mid‑roll ads or sponsored segments? Several podcasters may choose to disable auto‑chapters if they worry about disrupting episode flow or monetization. Comment threads and early feedback also caution that machine‑generated summaries can be blunt—chapter titles like “Chapter 1” won’t help unless the system understands context well.
Apple’s approach attempts to balance automation with creator control: auto chapters are labeled and editable, and creators can opt out of the automated features.
Timing and rollout
iOS 26.2 is currently available in the developer beta channel; reporting indicates a public beta could arrive soon and that a broader release is expected in December. Apple has said the features will be offered as limited betas and may have restricted support initially while the company refines the systems.
What to watch next
Over the coming weeks, expect early testers and podcasters to evaluate how well the chaptering and link detection work in the wild. Key measures will include chapter accuracy, whether automated links correctly identify referenced shows, and how much creators choose to opt out. For listeners, the real test will be whether these changes make it easier to navigate and act on what they hear without interrupting the listening experience.
For creators who want control over these behaviors, Apple’s Podcasts Connect will be the place to edit, disable, or supply their own chapter markers and timestamped links.
Apple’s updates to Podcasts in iOS 26.2 reflect a broader industry push to make long‑form audio more searchable and actionable—while preserving creator choice. As the beta expands, the balance between automation and accuracy will determine how quickly podcasters and listeners embrace the new tools.