Switching from the Native Apple Podcast App to Overcast

For the best reading experience, I recommend you view this content natively at: Switching from the Native Apple Podcast App to Overcast.

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I prefer using built-in apps whenever possible, and it requires a significant functionality delta for me to switch to a third party option.

I just hit that escape velocity for my podcast application.

Apple’s redesign of the Podcast application wasn’t great for me. I tried to make it work, but the main competitor—Overcast—has simply become too compelling.

They just rolled out some new features, including a dark and black theme, and that combined with things like smart listening speed, pretty much make the decision for me.

To get to your Smart Speed settings, open your full player view and swipe right.

I particularly like the black theme because it goes so well with the iPhone X in Space Grey, and I like my Smart Speed to be set to almost 2x for most things. Here’s a screenshot from mine just now.

My Overcast Settings for a16z

If you’ve been unhappy with the native podcast app in iOS, but weren’t sure if you should switch, now might be the time. Overcast has enough better features to make it worth it.

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