Apple Podcasts makes listening accessible with Automatic Transcripts

Apple is making podcasts more accessible for everyone with the introduction of automatic transcripts on Apple Podcasts. This new feature, available this spring, will allow users to read along with episodes, search for specific words, and even jump to different parts of the audio by tapping on the text.

Here's how it works:

• After a new episode is published, Apple automatically generates a transcript, available alongside the audio.
• Users can read the full text, search for specific phrases, and tap on words to jump to that point in the audio.
• Transcripts are also highlighted as the episode plays, making it easier to follow along.

But the accessibility doesn't stop there:

• Transcripts are available for podcasts in English, French, German, and Spanish initially, with more languages coming soon.
• Users can access transcripts on devices with iOS 17.4 or later.
• Podcast creators can opt-out of automatic transcripts or even provide their own transcripts if they prefer.

This new feature is a big win for accessibility:

• People with hearing impairments can now easily access and enjoy podcasts.
• Listeners who prefer to read can follow along more easily.
• Multitasking becomes easier as users can scan transcripts while doing other things.