The audio streaming battlefield is evolving — and iHeartRadio just dropped one of its most ambitious international upgrades yet.
In a landmark rollout for the Australasian region, ARN (Australian Radio Network) and NZME (New Zealand Media and Entertainment) have relaunched the iHeartRadio mobile experience across Australia and New Zealand.
But this is far more than a cosmetic tweak. The platform refresh arrives alongside:
The iconic radio-to-streaming powerhouse now aims to redefine how listeners discover music, radio and podcasts in the Southern Hemisphere — and how brands connect with engaged audio audiences.
Over a decade since its regional debut, iHeartRadio has completed its largest redesign since launch — one crafted through thousands of listener surveys, real-world testing and platform innovation drawn from global markets.
The platform’s new interface is built around a simple philosophy:
🌟 Make modern streaming feel as intuitive as turning a car radio dial.
The updated apps recreate the feel of browsing radio stations, while enhancing it with streaming power:
Key Features Now Live:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 🎚️ 15 customizable presets | Users can save fave radio stations, playlists & podcasts |
| 🌍 City & genre scanning | Instantly browse live radio stations by location or style |
| 📊 Trending charts | Access Top Podcasts, Top Playlists & Top Artist Radio |
| 🎤 Real-time lyrics | Karaoke-style lyrics synced with live stations & artist channels |
| 📱 Personalized feed | Curated shows, stations, and music recommendations |
| 🔍 Discovery tools | Enhanced browsing & intelligent suggestions |
Ben Campbell, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at ARN, explains the direction:
“This next-generation app marries the simplicity of traditional radio with the personalization and on-demand power of digital media. It’s built on global expertise — shaped by deep local insight.”
Across the Tasman, NZME Chief Audio Officer Jason Winstanley echoed the sentiment:
“Listeners told us they want streaming to feel familiar but smarter. This new design delivers that effortless, car-radio simplicity — right on your phone.”
iHeart’s vision: transform everyday listening into a fluid, hybrid experience that celebrates live radio while championing podcasts & playlists.
One of the most significant announcements:
Ruby has already made waves in the U.S. developing premium, award-winning branded content for global giants including:
The studio provides advertisers with:
Ruby Australia offers brands a turnkey storytelling engine — closing the gap between marketing, entertainment and media.
“Ruby has redefined brand storytelling in the U.S.,” said Ben Campbell. “Now advertisers here can create cinematic, long-form audio experiences with measurable impact.”
Brands increasingly seek content that builds trust, loyalty and narrative depth — not just ad slots.
Ruby gives them a platform to:
With Australia becoming a regional podcast powerhouse, Ruby’s expansion positions iHeart at the center of premium commercial audio innovation.
The relaunch is reinforced by a huge pipeline of future content — signaling deep investment in creators, story formats and streaming talent.
✅ Launch of iHeart Women’s Sports Network Australia
✅ Expansion of Blakcast Indigenous Network
✅ Full Cricket Australia podcast slate joins iHeart
This expands content across sports, Indigenous voices, women’s empowerment, lifestyle and culture.
Returning and new titles include:
Corey Layton, ARN Head of Digital Audio, says the goal is cross-channel storytelling:
“Our shows are designed to be watched, shared and engaged with — not just listened to. This is multi-platform entertainment.”
Expect video tie-ins, social activations, live content and reality-based extensions.
Another blockbuster development: iHeart has inked a deal with Are Media, home to Australia’s most recognized women’s lifestyle titles:
The collaboration will kick off with:
🎙️ “You’re Gonna Want to Hear This”
Hosted by Marie Claire‘s Georgie McCourt
Brands can now run integrated campaigns across:
This convergence offers advertisers a multi-touchpoint ecosystem to reach millions of women across platforms.
iHeart’s APAC expansion marks:
Australians and New Zealanders now get:
iHeartRadio isn’t just refreshing its app — it’s marking the start of a new era for audio in Australia and New Zealand.
🎧 More content
📱 Smarter tech
🏢 New creative studio
🤝 Major partnerships
🌏 Global strategy, local focus
From radio lovers to podcast obsessives, from brands seeking deeper impact to creators looking for a platform — iHeart has positioned itself as a central pulse in the region’s audio future.
