Castro brings iPad app and device sync for seamless podcast listening

The podcast app Castro has launched a fully featured iPad app, expanding beyond its previous iPhone-only availability. The new version includes optimized interfaces like Explore and grid views designed for larger screens.

Alongside the iPad release, the app also introduced device sync for iPhone, iPad, and Catalyst users. It covers playback history, listening progress, episode states, queue, folders, and podcast settings. Sync is optional, can be turned on or off anytime, and is included at no extra cost for Castro Plus subscribers. Users can either merge profiles across devices or keep them separate.

Sync runs on an event-driven CRDT system that works fast and offline, without needing constant server checks. Data remains local-first, but if sync is enabled, queue and episode states are stored on Castro's servers and linked to subscriptions. Credentials are stored securely in iCloud. Sideloaded content and appearance preferences aren’t yet supported, but future updates may add them.