Pocket Casts backtracks, will now give paid customers lifetime access to Pocket Casts Plus
Pocket Casts says it missed the mark when it comes to its previous plans about access to Pocket Casts on desktops and the web.
What you need to know
- Pocket Casts will now provide lifetime access on the web and desktop to customers that paid for access to those apps.
- This comes after Pocket Casts announced a switch to a new subscription model this week.
- The change is in response to backlash from users around the web.
Pocket Casts changed its plans for users that previously purchased access to the web or desktop versions of its app. Now, users that paid for the apps will receive lifetime access them. In a blog post titled "We Heard You", Pocket Casts CEO, Owen Grover, announced that the company has updated its plans.
When Pocket Casts announced that its mobile app would be free, the company also announced that desktop and web users would need a subscription. The company offered three years of Pocket Casts Plus for users who had previously purchased the app, but this did not prevent outrage from fans around the web.
Users on Reddit pointed out that Pocket Casts at one point claimed that users would only have to pay once. Another Reddit post highlighted the fact that Pocket Casts at one point claimed that the company didn't "do freemium."
The latest blog post from Grover states that Pocket Casts "missed the mark."
Though the post stops just short of an apology, it does show a change of actions that ensures customers who paid for the app will have access to it in the future. Additionally, those who purchased the app in the pass gain lifetime access to Pocket Casts Plus on all platforms, including the ability to upload up to 10 GB of personal content to the cloud.
Streaming podcasts
Pocket Casts is a popular podcast app that can sync llistening progress across devices. It is free on mobile, but will require a subscription for some features or to use the desktop or web apps for new customers.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.