Apple's Podcast app... sloooooow!?

[Beliblis]

Hi,

I've noticed for quite some time now that Apple's Podcast app is frustratingly slow. Probably the slowest app I've ever come across...
In the old days (when pdocasts were still part of the music app), updating a podcast was super-easy and reasonably fast. But nowerdays.... boy!
Swipe down to update a podcast: wait for up to a minute for SOMETHING to happen. Downloading: another few minutes, even on a fast wifi connection. I mean: really, apple?

I'm wondering: is it my iPhone 4 (ios 7)? Or does the problem persist on never phones and newer iOS?

What are the alternatives? Any good apps out there to sync podcasts with my iTunes podcasts?

 

[wchigo]

Previously on my 6 Plus and now on my 6s Plus, I have noticed occasion slowness but after some testing it seems that it's due more to my signal/connection in certain areas more than the app itself.

I'm thinking it might have more to do with the fact that, from what I've heard, iOS 7 slowed the iPhone 4 down quite a bit and so even though it is the simple Podcast app, it is somehow affecting the speed and ability of the app to update from the serves.

I've heard good things about Overcast, but I didn't really use it as it has issues syncing with premium podcasts and I don't have that problem with the stock apple podcast app. The other podcast app I've heard good things about is Pocket Casts, but personally I know even less about that one. Overcast is free so maybe you can give that a try and see if it's any better, whereas Pocket Casts is a paid app for $3.99.

 

[Beliblis]

All my apps in iOS7 are fast enough, including those that connect to WiFi. The only app that slows down to snail speed is Apple's Podcasts app.

I've looked at Overcast and Pocket Casts, but they require iOS8. Not an option on iPhone 4. So I've purchased Castro. As far as I could tell the only podcast app available for iOS7. Intuitive app, and a lot faster than Apple's Podcast app. Only downside is it doesn't sync the podcasts with iTunes.

 

[wchigo]

All my apps in iOS7 are fast enough, including those that connect to WiFi. The only app that slows down to snail speed is Apple's Podcasts app.

I've looked at Overcast and Pocket Casts, but they require iOS8. Not an option on iPhone 4. So I've purchased Castro. As far as I could tell the only podcast app available for iOS7. Intuitive app, and a lot faster than Apple's Podcast app. Only downside is it doesn't sync the podcasts with iTunes.

Ah, I didn't realize that they didn't work in iOS 7, sorry about that. Glad you seem to have found one that works though.

 

[danielbroad]

Argh! Sorry i missed this discussion.

Castro is a great choice, brilliantly designed app.

If you need a few more features, I go to a lot of trouble to make sure my podcast app RSSRadio is fast even on older hardware. And it supports iOS7.

http://rssradio.doradasoftware.com