The Amazon Echo is a great smart speaker for those not fully invested in Apple's ecosystem. Thanks to its cross-platform support, users with both iOS and Android phones can take advantage of it. And unlike Apple's HomePod, you can download skills on it to further integrate it into the services and apps you actively depend on. This means you can rely on an Amazon Echo speaker to listen to Apple Podcasts. You don't even have to settle for third-party clients since Apple Podcasts is available as an official skill.
How to listen to Apple Podcasts on the Amazon Echo
Like with Apple Music, there is official support for Apple Podcasts on the Alexa platform. Unlike Apple Music, however, the support isn't baked in by default. To get your Apple Podcast to fix you'll need to spend a minute getting set up.
There are only two steps you need to follow:
- In the Alexa app on your phone or tablet, search for the Apple Podcasts skill and enable it.
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Authenticate the skill with your Apple ID to connect to your Alexa account.
You will now be able to listen to Apple Podcasts through any Amazon Echo your account is linked to. But there's an additional step you should follow to make listening to podcasts more convenient.
Once enabled you'll need to specify "on Apple Podcasts" to direct Alexa to the right service. If you set Apple Podcasts as your default podcasting platform you won't need to do this.
- Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap on More.
- Open Settings.
- Tap on the Music & Podcasts option.
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Tap on Default Services and choose Apple Podcasts as your podcast provider.
Now you won't need to specify "on Apple Podcasts" when you ask Alexa to play a podcast. It's worth highlighting, also, that the Apple Podcasts skill is currently pretty limited. You can play podcasts, and that's it. If you ask for a particular show it will play the latest episode only. It will play through older ones sequentially, but only after you complete the newest episode. You can't ask for specific episodes, it seems.
What is nice is that since it syncs to your Apple ID, you can resume a podcast on the Echo you started on your phone and vice versa. While the capabilities are basic, it's an easy, hands-free way to enjoy your favorite podcasts around the home. With multiple devices, like an Echo Dot in every room, you can create a group and fill your entire home with the latest episodes from your favorite podcasters. If you're looking for an Echo, we recommend the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), which is the latest mid-range Echo from Amazon.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
The Amazon Echo is the best all-around smart speaker for most people with a nice design, great sound, and the immense power of the Alexa ecosystem at its disposal.