iHeartRadio Apps Relaunch Down Under, Joined By Branded Studio And Original Podcasts.

iHeart’s footprint in Australia and New Zealand is getting a major upgrade. Regional media partners ARN and NZME have each rolled out redesigned versions of the iHeartRadio app while unveiling new content and commercial initiatives.

In the biggest product refresh since launch, both ARN in Australia and NZME in New Zealand introduced next-generation iHeartRadio apps built to merge the familiarity of the car radio dial with the full functionality of mobile streaming.

“Built on global expertise, local insights, and shaped by months of research and testing with thousands of listeners, this next-generation iHeart app combines the ease and familiarity of the car radio with the personalization and on-demand capabilities of digital technology,” said Ben Campbell, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at ARN.

The new features will feel familiar to users of the U.S. version of the iHeartRadio app. The new design lets users save up to 15 custom presets for favorite stations, playlists, and podcasts; scan live radio by city or genre; browse trending content and rankers with Top Podcasts, Top Playlists, and Top Artist Radio stations; and, for the first time, follow karaoke-style lyrics synced with live radio and artist stations.

NZME Chief Audio Officer Jason Winstanley noted the rollout reflects extensive listener feedback by listeners for a streaming experience that feels as “intuitive and familiar” as tuning the car radio.

“This experience blends the familiarity of the car radio with digital innovation to enable users to easily tap to play the stations, artists and podcasts they know and love, fostering the fun, spontaneous discovery and connection that comes with live radio — all through their phones, anywhere they go,” added Sarah Catran, Head of Digital Audio at NZME.

Both free apps are available now on iOS and Android.

Ruby Expands To Australia

ARN also announced it is launching Ruby Australia, the local arm of iHeartMedia’s two-year-old branded podcast studio that has created more than 50 original titles in the U.S. for partners such as Audible, HBO, IBM, and Salesforce. The studio offers end-to-end creative services — from concept to production, promotion, and ROI measurement — giving advertisers a turnkey route into long-form storytelling.

“Ruby has transformed the way brands in the U.S. connect with audiences, and we’re excited to bring that proven model to Australia,” Campbell said. “With Ruby, advertisers don’t just buy media — they get a full-service content partner that handles everything from ideation and production to promotion and measurement. By creating turnkey solutions, we’re making it easier than ever for brands to unlock the power of podcasts.”

New Partnerships and Originals

ARN’s iHeart has also detailed a 2026 podcast slate featuring new vertical networks, flagship originals, and high-profile partnerships. They include:

• A new Australian version of the iHeart Women’s Sports Network — launched last year in the U.S. — and expanded Blakcast Indigenous Network headline the structural updates, alongside verticals from business to beauty. And the entire Cricket Australia sports podcast slate is joining iHeart.

• New seasons and shows include “Australian True Crime” with Meshel Laurie, “The Lazy CEO with Jane Lu,” “Access Granted,” hosted by Lowanna Grant, and “The Mums’ Group” from triplet sisters behind iHeart’s “Outspoken” podcast — Sophie, Kate and Amy Taeuber.

ARN-iHeart also unveiled an expanded Originals lineup beginning with “Love Island Australia: Officially Unpacked” — a partnership with television broadcasters ITV Studios Australia and Nine — plus new titles “Follow the Call,” “Dr KIIS,” “RAUKUS,” “Two Good Sports” and “Saucy Secrets with Jana Hocking.”

At the same time, iHeart and Are Media announced a partnership to bring women’s lifestyle brands including Marie Claire, WHO, ELLE, Belle, Home Beautiful, The Australian Women’s Weekly and Gourmet Traveller to the platform, starting with “You’re Gonna Want to Hear This” hosted by Marie Claire’s Georgie McCourt. The deal opens new integrated opportunities across audio, video, social, and print for advertisers seeking to reach millions of Australian women.