Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Apple Podcasts Adds Auto-Chapters and Timed Links in iOS 26.2 Beta
Imagine your favorite podcast episodes are getting a bit smarter!
Apple is adding new tools to its Podcasts app, starting with a beta version.
One new thing is called 'auto-generated chapters.'
This is like an AI helper that automatically divides episodes into different sections.
This makes it easier for you to jump to a part you want to hear or skip parts you don't.
Creators can choose to use this or turn it off.
Another new feature is 'timed links.'
This allows creators to put special clickable links in their episodes that show up at a specific time.
These links can take you to other Apple apps like Apple Music or Apple TV.
It's like getting a guided tour of related content right inside your podcast!
These updates are designed to make listening more fun and help creators share more with you.
Apple Podcasts is introducing auto-generated chapters and timed links in the upcoming iOS 26.2 beta.
Auto-generated chapters use AI to create segment markers for English-language episodes, aiding navigation and discoverability.
Creators can manually disable both auto-generated chapters and timed links.
Timed links allow creators to embed clickable references to Apple Music, Apple News, Apple TV, and other Apple services at specific timestamps.
These new features aim to enhance listener experience and provide creators with more engagement tools, similar to recent innovations by Spotify.
- Who
- Apple
- What
- Introduced auto-generated chapters and timed links features for Apple Podcasts.
- When
- Rolling out in the iOS 26.2 Beta, with a public release expected soon.
- Where
- Within the Apple Podcasts app on iOS devices.
- Why
- To enhance listener interactivity, improve discoverability, streamline production for creators, and integrate with Apple's ecosystem of services.
Creator Control
Listener Experience
Autogenerated Chapters
Creator Control
Creators can disable auto-generated chapters if they prefer manual control or don't want them.
Listener Experience
Listeners benefit from auto-generated chapters, which improve discoverability and navigation by marking specific segments, especially when creators don't provide their own.
Timed Links
Creator Control
Creators can manually insert timed links to promote content within the Apple ecosystem.
Listener Experience
Listeners can access related Apple content (Music, News, TV) directly from timestamped links shown on banners and transcripts.
- Platform
- Apple Podcasts
- New Features
- Auto-generated chapters, timed links
- Operating System
- iOS 26.2 Beta
- Availability
- Currently in developer beta, public release expected soon
- Targeted Languages
- English-language episodes for auto-generated chapters
- Creator Controls
- Option to disable auto-generated chapters and timed links