Apple Podcasts remains my preferred podcast application, though I’ve long struggled with its core Up Next queue functionality. I’m pleased to share that iOS 27.2 introduces the solution I’ve needed.
With iOS 27.2, Apple Podcasts divides the ‘Up Next’ queue into two distinct areas: New Episodes and Continue Playing
There’s plenty to admire about Apple Podcasts. Features like transcripts and auto-generated chapters are standout capabilities that keep me coming back, and I’ve enjoyed all the recent video enhancements as well.
However, for years the central ‘Up Next’ queue in Apple Podcasts has frequently driven me toward alternative apps.
I’ve previously detailed why Up Next feels dysfunctional. To recap:
– it poorly displays which podcasts have new content available
– episodes can disappear easily, even during active listening
I’m thrilled to report that iOS 27.2 delivers a long-overdue correction for Up Next by separating it into two dedicated sections:
– New Episodes
– Continue Playing
At the top of the app sits New Episodes, which resembles and largely functions like the old Up Next. As the name suggests, it exclusively displays the most recent episodes for each show you follow.
Continue Playing appears directly beneath it, serving as a centralized hub for all episodes you’ve begun but haven’t finished.
These two sections together resolve all my primary complaints with the previous Up Next queue.
It’s now simple to spot new content at a glance, and I no longer lose track of episodes since anything I’ve started appears in Continue Playing. I still have minor criticisms, but these changes alone fix my main issues with Up Next.
If you haven’t given Apple Podcasts a try recently, iOS 27.2 presents an excellent opportunity to revisit it.
Do you use Apple Podcasts or a different podcast app? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories