iOS 26: Fine-Tune Podcast Playback Speeds with New Controls
Apple is leveling up its Podcasts app with iOS 26. The update finally lets users fine-tune playback speeds in a way that rivals like Overcast have offered for years. With iOS 26: Fine-Tune Podcast Playback Speeds, Apple has made listening more customizable and user-friendly than ever before.
Why This Update Matters
Until now, Apple only offered four rigid playback options: 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, and 2x. That often left listeners stuck between speeds that felt either too slow or uncomfortably fast. With iOS 26, those limitations are gone.
The new playback speed controls now range from 0.5x all the way to 3x. Even better, Apple added 0.1x incremental adjustments, giving users precise control over their listening experience. This small but powerful change means you can set the speed that perfectly fits your pace.
How to Use Fine-Tuned Playback Speeds
Adjusting your playback speed is quick and intuitive:
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Open the Podcasts app and start playing an episode.
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Enter the fullscreen playback controls.
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Tap the speed button (1x) in the bottom left corner.
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Choose from preset options—or drag across them to open a dial for 0.1x adjustments.
With these granular controls, you can slow down interviews for better comprehension or speed up news recaps to save time.
Apple Catches Up with Podcast Rivals
This new feature is Apple’s way of closing the gap with third-party apps that have long offered detailed speed adjustments. By baking fine-tuned playback into the default Podcasts app, Apple makes it easier for casual listeners and podcast enthusiasts alike to personalize their listening without needing extra apps.
The Bigger Picture for iOS 26
The iOS 26: Fine-Tune Podcast Playback Speeds feature may seem small, but it reflects Apple’s push toward more user-focused customization. With iOS 26 still in beta, this update hints at a broader effort to make everyday apps more versatile and competitive.
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