This week, Apple Podcasts is celebrating 20 years since podcasting first debuted on iTunes in 2005. To mark this milestone, Apple has highlighted 20 influential shows that they believe “helped define this medium we know and love”.
Apple’s editorial teams, known for curating similar “best of” lists for services like Apple Music, selected these podcasts based on their lasting impact and how they exemplify the evolution and future potential of the medium. The criteria emphasized shows with hosts who feel like friends and those that compel immediate listening. The company describes the list as a “love letter” to podcasts that have “measurably improved our lives” and shaped the beloved medium.
The 20 podcasts are categorized by year, including periods like 2005-2010, 2011-2015, 2016-2020, and 2021-2025. Notable selections include “This American Life,” “Acquired,” and “The Daily”. The most recently featured show is “Therapuss with Jake Shane,” which premiered in 2024.
The full list can be explored on Apple’s dedicated website or accessed directly within the Apple Podcasts app. The anniversary technically falls on June 28, 2005, when Apple released iTunes 4.9 with podcast support. At the time, Steve Jobs noted that “Podcasting is the next generation of radio,” allowing users to subscribe to over 3,000 free podcasts that would automatically download to their computers and iPods.
Apple has also sent out the following statement to podcast creators via email:
Podcasts at Apple are turning 20, and we couldn’t let the moment pass without a huge thank you.
Whether you’ve been creating for years or have just launched your first episode, this milestone is a celebration of you. Podcasting has become a global force thanks to the creativity and commitment of creators around the world.
We recognize the dedication it takes to make a great show. Success in this medium demands persistence, imagination, and care — and that comes through in the voices, stories, and conversations you share. You’ve introduced new formats, explored bold ideas, built passionate communities, and redefined how people connect.
At Apple, we’ve always seen Apple Podcasts as more than a platform. It is the home of podcasting, where exceptional shows from the most innovative creators are showcased, supported by tools to help you expand your impact.
Thank you for everything you’ve made and shared. You’ve changed commutes, long walks, and quiet nights for millions of listeners. We’re grateful to support that connection, as we have since the beginning — and are excited for what’s next.
The Apple Podcasts Team
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