Apple’s new podcast feature

With the release of the 17.4 update for iPhones and iPads, Apple Podcasts will automatically create transcripts for podcasts starting today. New podcast episodes will automatically have transcripts available soon after they are released, and over time, Apple will transcribe the back catalog of podcasts.

Because the podcast transcripts are searchable, listeners can jump to a specific segment of an episode by typing in a word or phrase. Transcripts for individual podcast episodes are available to users in the lower-left corner of the "Now Playing" screen.

That Apple wants to maintain feature parity in its built-in podcast player is not surprising, given that Spotify introduced auto-generated transcripts last autumn.

Although many podcasters are concerned about the mistakes that can occur with automated transcription tools, transcripts are a convenience for users and an absolute necessity for those who are hard of hearing or deaf. Apple appears to have anticipated this. Podcasters can choose to download and edit Apple's transcript before reuploading, or they can upload their own transcripts using RSS tags or Apple Podcasts Connect for premium episodes if they'd rather not use Apple's automated transcription.

Apple Podcasts will offer transcripts in more than 170 countries, with versions available in English, French, German, and Spanish. However, it is not possible to translate podcast transcripts between languages.