Overcast Podcast Player Update Brings Overhauled Apple Watch App, Improved Siri Support

Thursday February 25, 2021 3:45 am PST by Tim Hardwick

In the latest update to the popular podcast player, Overcast has overhauled its Apple Watch app to be more intuitive and bring several features that were previously only accessible on Overcast for iPhone.

The newly designed watch interface ditches the horizontally scrolling panels to reveal features, and instead uses a single screen providing button access to settings, podcast library, and now playing controls. In addition, a sync button keeps podcasts stored on your watch in sync with those on your iPhone.

The new playback controls include the ability to skip podcast chapters (if a podcast supports them) and adjust playback speed. These can be accessed by tapping a button in the bottom-right corner of the now playing screen.

Above, the old Overcast watch interface

Version 2021.1 of the app also includes improved Siri support and "tons of under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes," although as a result of the changes, this update drops support for watchOS 6, meaning the app will no longer work on Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2.

Above, the new 2021 Overcast watch interface

Overcast 2021.1 is available for iPhone and iPad from the App Store in the form of an ad-supported free version or $9.99 per year ad-free. [Direct Link]

Tags: Marco Arment, Overcast

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Top Rated Comments

boss.king

74 months ago

Also, the "indie dev" has more money than he knows what to do with. The idea this is some "poor indie" is absurd.

No one said "poor indie". Indie dev just means independent, which he is.

Yes, he's had a very successful career and likely doesn't need any of the money he makes off of Overcast, but that has nothing to do with any of this.

And yes, Marco can be a bit of a whiner, but there's a very easy fix for that—just stop listening to him. It's really that easy.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Blackstick

74 months ago

Also, the "indie dev" has more money than he knows what to do with. The idea this is some "poor indie" is absurd.

Does his wealth offend you? It's a solid podcast app.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Canyda

74 months ago

All I know is that a couple of weeks ago Overcast suddenly stopped downloading a password protected podcast feed to which I subscribed and I emailed Marco and explained what was happening and he immediately implemented a server-side fix and everything immediately went back to normal.

I appreciate that kind of customer service.

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

CJM

74 months ago

Marco sure has complained about doing the Watch UI for a while. Guess he finally got his head around it.

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

tbayrgs

74 months ago

No one said "poor indie". Indie dev just means independent, which he is.

Yes, he's had a very successful career and likely doesn't need any of the money he makes off of Overcast, but that has nothing to do with any of this.

And yes, Marco can be a bit of a whiner, but there's a very easy fix for that—just stop listening to him. It's really that easy.

Exactly. I enjoy ATP for the most part and am also sometimes put off by Marco’s whining but applaud anyone who’s been able to build a solid career as an indie developer against the litany of mega corps playing in the same space.

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)