Apple Podcasts is generating automatic links and chapters in iOS 26.2, helping listeners jump to key moments and explore related content. These AI-driven updates simplify episode navigation, boost engagement, and help creators surface relevant media automatically.
The update also adds timed links to highlight related Apple services or referenced podcasts. Many users are asking: How does automatic chaptering work? Will creators maintain control? Below, we break down everything you need to know.
Apple Podcasts is generating automatic links and chapters for English-language shows. If a creator hasn’t manually added chapters, Apple will create them automatically and clearly label them as AI-generated.
Timed links can point listeners to Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple News, or even other podcast episodes that are mentioned during the show.
This new feature improves listener experience by making episodes more scannable—especially in longer shows. Listeners can jump to topics instantly and see related content right on the Now Playing screen, transcript, or episode details.
For creators, this means less manual chaptering work while still improving episode quality and recommendation potential.
Yes. Creators can opt out of auto-generated chapters and timed links at any time. Apple only generates chapters when creators don’t supply their own, ensuring full control over organization and structure.
Early signs point to yes. Auto-chapters enhance podcast search and topic visibility, boosting chances of surfacing in Apple Podcasts search, Siri responses, and even Google Discover. With Spotify already testing similar features, this could become a standard across platforms.
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