Apple Podcasts Adds Automatic Chapters and Timed Links in iOS 26.2

Apple Podcasts Introduces Automatic Chapters

Apple is rolling out two major updates designed to make podcast listening smoother and more interactive: auto-generated chapters and timed links. Both features are currently being tested in iOS 26.2 developer beta.

The new automatic chapters feature will allow Apple Podcasts to create chapters for English-language shows automatically. If creators haven’t added their own chapter list, Apple’s system will do it for them — making it easier for listeners to skip to specific parts of an episode.

Each automatically created chapter list will include a label indicating that it was generated by Apple’s system. Spotify launched a similar feature earlier this year, marking a growing trend toward AI-assisted podcast tools.

How Automatic Chapters Work

Apple’s algorithm analyzes podcast audio to detect topic changes, then divides the episode into clear sections. This lets listeners jump directly to the parts that interest them most.

If a creator already provides chapters manually, Apple’s feature will remain inactive. Podcast creators can also opt out entirely if they prefer not to use automated chapters.

This system is part of Apple’s broader goal to simplify podcast organization while giving listeners a more structured experience without requiring extra work from creators.

Timed Links: Interactive Listening Comes to Podcasts

With timed links, creators can now insert clickable links that appear at precise timestamps during an episode. These links will show up as banners on the Now Playing screen, and they’ll also appear in the transcript and episode details page.

Apple says creators will be able to link to services like Apple Music, Apple News, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV — creating a more dynamic experience that connects audio content with other media.

Listeners will be able to tap these links as they appear, allowing them to explore related content without leaving the app or losing their place in the episode.

How Automatic Timed Links Are Added

Apple’s AI system can detect when a creator mentions another podcast or Apple service by name and automatically add a related link at that timestamp.

This could make cross-promotion between podcasts — or references to songs, shows, and news articles — far more seamless. Creators who prefer full control can still disable automatic linking in their settings.

When Will These Features Launch?

Both automatic chapters and timed links are expected to debut with the official release of iOS 26.2. For now, they are limited to the developer beta, with a public rollout likely within the next few months.

These additions signal Apple’s growing investment in enhancing the podcast discovery and listening experience, combining automation with meaningful interactivity.

Apple’s Competitive Move Against Spotify

Industry analysts see these updates as Apple’s strategic response to Spotify’s own AI-driven podcast tools. By integrating automatic chapters and links, Apple is aiming to make its podcast platform smarter, faster, and more engaging for both creators and audiences.

Thanks to its deep ecosystem — spanning Apple Music, News, and TV — Apple is in a strong position to make these features even more useful than competing platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are automatic chapters in Apple Podcasts?
They’re AI-generated segments that divide a podcast episode into sections based on topic changes.

2. What are timed links?
Clickable, timestamped links that appear during an episode to connect listeners to related content.

3. Can creators disable these features?
Yes. Both automatic chapters and timed links can be turned off by creators.

4. When will the features be available?
They will officially launch with the iOS 26.2 update after beta testing concludes.