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To add a regular show to your Apple Podcasts library, open its page and tap Follow. Apple uses “subscribe” differently for paid access: a paid subscription is an optional purchase for premium content, and following a show does not by itself start a charge.
Follow a podcast on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Podcasts app. Apple recommends updating to the latest iOS or iPadOS; the layout may vary by version.
- Search for the show, then tap it to open its information page.
- Tap Follow.
- To find the show later, open Library and tap Shows.
These steps are documented in Apple’s guide to following shows on iPhone and iPad.
Follow a show on Mac or by RSS feed
In the Podcasts app on Mac, search or browse for the show and click Follow in the search results or on the show’s page. If you already have its podcast RSS feed URL, choose File > Follow a Show by URL. Apple documents these options in its Mac guide.
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On iPhone, Apple also documents adding a show by feed URL through Library and its more menu, then Follow a Show by URL. Use a podcast feed URL, not the address of an ordinary webpage. See Apple’s iPhone guide to finding podcasts.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
What “Follow” means—and when a subscription costs money
| Option | What it does | Cost and availability |
|---|---|---|
| Follow a show | Adds the show to your library. New episodes may download automatically, and you may receive notifications when episodes are released. | Following is not a paid subscription. |
| Paid show or channel subscription | Provides the premium content or benefits described in that show’s or channel’s offer. Buying one also follows the show; Apple says, “When you subscribe to a show, you automatically follow it.” | Only applies when an offer is available. Creators may offer monthly or annual plans; check the in-app offer for its price, billing cadence, and included content. Availability varies by country, region, and language. |
Apple explains paid offers and availability in its guide to getting and managing Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. Automatic downloads and notifications can be adjusted in Podcasts settings if you want to limit storage or data use, or avoid alerts; Apple describes following and episode behavior in its iPhone and iPad guide.
Stop following a show or stop a paid charge
Unfollowing removes the show from your followed shows, but does not cancel a paid subscription. If your goal is to stop recurring charges, manage or cancel the subscription through your Apple account’s subscription controls instead. Apple’s subscription guide covers managing and canceling paid subscriptions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Rank #4
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Rank #3
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with 3.5mm Headphone Plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with Lightning Connector also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a Lightning connector and support iOS 10 or later, including iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone. Also works with iPad models with iPadOS.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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