Apple News will now feature podcasts -- daily audio news briefings along with "audio stories"

Apple on Wednesday launched its own news podcasts, a first for the iPhone maker which is wading into an already crowded field.

Apple News will now feature daily audio news briefings along with "audio stories" -- pieces from partners such as Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Time, Wired and the Wall Street Journal, as read by professional voice actors.

"Apple News showcases so much great journalism, and we're excited to help bring it to life in new ways with Apple News+ audio stories and a new daily news show," said editor-in-chief Lauren Kern.

The narrated pieces are available to Apple News+ subscribers in the US.

Apple News Today briefings can be listened to for free.