Apple TV+ Subscribers Get Exclusive Early Access to New Premium Podcast
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It’s been three years since Apple launched podcast subscriptions, and while numerous third-party podcasters have taken advantage of these new capabilities, Apple has yet to put any of its own “Apple Original” podcasts behind a paywall.
However, Apple announced a new iOS 17 feature last fall that allowed podcasts to be linked to subscriptions in other apps and services, eliminating the need for a separate paid podcast subscription to access exclusive content.
For example, subscribers to the popular meditation app Calm could also access a library of related content in the Podcasts app, available only to paying members. Apple partnered with Calm and Lingokids to introduce the feature, although it’s available to any developer who sells in-app subscriptions and publishes podcasts.
Connected subscriptions on Apple Podcasts allow paid subscribers for select apps to enjoy new shows and additional premium audio benefits included as part of their existing subscriptions. Apple
Apple didn’t waste any time taking advantage of the new capabilities for its own services. At launch, Apple Music subscribers gained access to a back catalog of more than 2,500 episodes from Apple Music Radio and Apple News+ Narrated for Apple News+ subscribers. Both of these were available only to those who paid for the appropriate subscriptions, either individually or as part of an Apple One bundle. However, they weren’t technically “Apple Originals.”
Apple Originals predate the Music and News+ offerings and were developed as direct tie-ins to popular Apple TV+ shows before branching into broader related content. However, they’ve also been freely available, undoubtedly to help promote those same shows. However, now Apple is doing something a bit different.
Today, Apple announced its first Apple Original Podcast to be part of what it’s calling the “Apple TV+ connected subscription.”
Titled My Divo, it’s also the first dual-language podcast, offered in both English and Spanish. While the entire podcast will eventually be free for all to enjoy, Apple is kicking it off with exclusive access for paying Apple TV+ subscribers.
My Divo is hosted by award-winning journalist Maria Garcia, chronicling her journey back to her hometown roots in conjunction with the story of Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, more commonly known as “El Divo de Juárez.”
Garcia, creator of the critically acclaimed podcast “Anything for Selena” for which she was named Apple Podcasts’ 2021 Newcomer of the Year, hails from the same hometown as local hero turned global star Gabriel and looks to his legacy as she tries to reconcile with her own identity, reexamining their similarities within their Mexican heritage. Singer, songwriter and pop icon Gabriel was a Latin music trailblazer known for his eccentric, colorful style and high-energy performances. Gabriel sold over 100 million albums, making him one of the bestselling artists in Mexican history. “My Divo” explores Juan Gabriel’s personal life and public persona, discovering new important details about his life, including how his sexuality was perceived and the impact it had on his legacy.
To go along with the new podcast, Apple is also promoting the Juan Gabriel Essentials collection for Apple Music subscribers, featuring a broad cross-section of the singer/songwriter’s music.
The first two episodes of My Divo will be available for everyone on July 1. However, Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to listen to all eight episodes right away, while the remainder will be published weekly for non-subscribers.
Apple notes that My Divo represents the first of what will likely be more Apple Originals that provide exclusive early access to Apple TV+ subscribers.
