# Podcastle — The private podcast player

> Private podcast player with on-device transcription and minimalist design. (iPhone/iPad app by Emidio Cunha.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/podcastle/id6450795970 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Emidio Cunha](https://appshunter.io/developer/369173671)
- Category: News, Reference
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 1.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 5 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-11-29
- Data updated: 2026-09-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/podcastle/id6450795970/reviews.md

## What is Podcastle?

Podcastle is a cutting-edge podcast application designed to revolutionize your listening experience. 

With a sleek and minimalist interface, Podcastle ensures that you navigate your favourite podcasts effortlessly, presenting content in an uncluttered and user-friendly manner.

Main Features:

** Transcription Capability **

Podcastle sets itself apart by offering a unique transcription feature. Enhance your podcast experience by reading along while you listen. This innovative functionality allows you to absorb content more effectively and makes podcasts accessible in diverse situations. You can also search the transcript for specific terms and jump to that any position in the audio file based on the transcript.

Warning: This feature will consume more battery, and is best used while plugged in or with this in mind.

** Minimalistic Design **

Experience podcasts like never before with Podcastle's minimalist design. Say goodbye to unnecessary clutter and complicated interfaces. We've streamlined the user experience to bring you the content you love without distractions, providing an immersive and enjoyable listening environment. 

Despite that, clarity about both internet addresses and audio file sizes are visible, as well as full access to the audio file so you can share with other apps.

** Opinionated feature set **

- Chapter information is shown to make it easier to skip to the content you want.

- Only the last episode of each podcast is automatically downloaded.

- It is important to take into account that this app is designed to download each podcast before playing, so no streaming function is provided.

- There are no playlists, and audio stops playing after each podcast ends.

** On-Device Processing **

Your privacy is our priority. Unlike other podcast platforms, Podcastle does not rely on external servers for processing or storing your data. Everything happens directly on your device, ensuring your personal information remains secure and confidential. That means no Accounts or Registration Required:

Podcastle understands that your time is valuable. That's why we've eliminated the need for accounts or registrations. Dive straight into the podcasting world without the hassle of creating yet another account. Enjoy podcasts seamlessly and on your terms.

** Privacy-Focused **

Podcastle takes privacy seriously. By keeping all operations on your device, we minimize the risk of data exposure. Enjoy your podcasts with the confidence that your personal information remains private and secure.

Discover a new era of podcasting with Podcastle — where innovation meets simplicity, and your listening experience is both personal and hassle-free.

** In-App Purchase  **

Podcastle is now free to use and the project open source. 

If you like the app and would like to support its future development, there's a Donate button that you can use to support a food bank.

## Key features

- Transcription while listening
- Searchable transcripts
- Minimalist user interface
- On-device data processing
- No account registration required
- Chapter information display

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Podcastle Unlock | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tip Jar | $0.99 | one-time |



## Frequently asked questions about Podcastle

### Does Podcastle have ads?

No, Podcastle is ad-free. The app is free to use and does not display advertisements to its users.

### How much does Podcastle cost?

Podcastle is free to download and use. There is an optional 'Donate' button within the app to support the developer and a food bank.

### What devices does Podcastle support?

Podcastle is currently supported on iPhone devices. The app was released on 2023-11-29 and its latest version is 1.8.

### Is Podcastle suitable for children?

Podcastle has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger users. The app's focus on privacy and simple interface is beneficial for all ages.

### How often is Podcastle updated?

Podcastle was last updated on January 29, 2026, indicating a recent development cycle. The latest version available is 1.8.

### Can I stream podcasts with Podcastle?

No, Podcastle is designed to download each podcast before playing and does not offer a streaming function. This ensures offline listening capabilities.

### Does Podcastle require an account?

No, Podcastle does not require any accounts or registration. All processing is done on-device, allowing you to start listening immediately.

### What makes Podcastle's transcription feature unique?

Podcastle's transcription feature allows you to read along with podcasts and search the transcript for specific terms. You can then jump to that exact position in the audio file.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.8 — 2026-01-29

** Bug fixes **
** Added a Donate button for food charity **

### 1.7 — 2025-10-25

New feature to allow to add a podcast by entering its URL directly. Useful for situations where you need to add a special URL for a subscribers only version of a podcast.

### 1.6 — 2025-10-14

- Airplay button to change output device 
- Better chapter artwork handling
- Improved update of playing position

### 1.5 — 2025-09-28

1) Improved design of the experience.
2) Better on device transcription of podcasts.
3) Several Bluetooth and Phone interruption glitches resolved.

### 1.4 — 2025-05-29

Improvements throughout the app
Removal of podcast subscription limitations
Introduction of a Tip Jar to support the app development
Open sourcing of the app

## Apps similar to Podcastle

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Pods- Podcast Player](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pods-podcast-player/id1209200428) | 4.4 (342) | Free | News |
| [Castflow AI Podcast Transcript](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/castflow-ai-podcast-transcript/id1572179241) | 4.4 (7) | Free | News |
| [Metacast – podcast app](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metacast-podcast-app/id6462012536) | 4.8 (17) | Free | News |
| [Podcast Guru - App & Player](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/podcast-guru-app-and-player/id1535235039) | 4.7 (278) | Free | News |
| [Podcast Republic - Podcast App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/podcast-republic-podcast-app/id6443981281) | 4.7 (418) | Free | News |
| [Podventure: Podcast Player](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/podventure-podcast-player/id6476608091) | 5.0 (1) | Free | News |

## More apps by Emidio Cunha

- [Asteroidy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asteroidy/id524337499)
- [Puzzle Line - Tile Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puzzle-line-tile-game/id540741099)
- [Biking Beacn Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/biking-beacn-pro/id742047514)
- [Asteroidy - Retro Space Blaster](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asteroidy-retro-space-blaster/id1051800463)
- [Flight Nav](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flight-nav/id1055090949)
- [Workout Beacn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workout-beacn/id1090037850)

All apps by Emidio Cunha: https://appshunter.io/developer/369173671

## Related topics

[podcastle](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/podcastle) · [emidio cunha](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/emidio-cunha)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-10.*