Apple announced that Apple's podcast subscriptions are now available around the world, showcasing a slew of new shows, podcast groups and channels.
When listeners purchase a subscription to a show, they automatically follow the show and the page is updated with a Subscriber Edition tag, so it's clear they have access to the premium experience.
As listeners subscribe to more channels, the Listen tab expands with new lines to provide easy access to all subscription content.
Listeners who subscribe to two or more channels will also see a My Channels row on the Listen tab.
Apple announced the new service at its April event and had plans to launch it soon after. The company, however, has decided to delay its launch to make sure it offers the "best experience" (after users have noticed numerous shortcomings).
Listeners can now decide to take out a monthly subscription to their favorite show and in doing so, receive an ad-free listening experience with additional content.
All subscriptions made through the platform are subject to Apple's 30% commission rule, which means creators only get 70% of the subscriptions paid by users.
Also, if users subscribe to a podcast but want to use a third-party podcast client, the benefits of purchasing aren't accessible.
Apple's podcast subscriptions also include the ability for podcast creators and users to create channels, which are a collection of different shows on a single page.
