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Apple Podcasts vs Ximalaya: catalog facts
Apple Podcasts	Ximalaya
Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want a built-in podcast player	Best for: Chinese-speaking listeners of audiobooks and spoken-word shows
Free + paid options The app is free; some shows offer premium content that costs extra.	Free + paid options Free listening with a paid membership for member-only albums and a seven-day free trial.
macOS, iOS	macOS, Android, iOS, Web
Supports video podcasts with Picture in Picture Enhance Dialogue playback option All 4 strengths for Apple Podcasts Supports video podcasts with Picture in Picture Enhance Dialogue playback option Syncs listening across Apple devices Editorial curation, channels and top charts	Very large catalogue of Chinese-language audio Covers audiobooks, podcasts, children's content and crosstalk All 3 strengths for Ximalaya Very large catalogue of Chinese-language audio Covers audiobooks, podcasts, children's content and crosstalk Creators can upload and publish their own audio
Limited to Apple's platforms Closed source All 3 limitations for Apple Podcasts Limited to Apple's platforms Closed source Some premium content requires paid subscriptions	Interface and content are almost entirely in Chinese Much content sits behind the paid membership
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application, Hosted service
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Apple Podcasts apple.com/apple-podcasts apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029 Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Ximalaya ximalaya.com apps.apple.com/us/app/%E5%96%9C%E9%A9%AC%E6%8B%89%E9%9B%85f… Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.