Apple to replace iTunes with three apps
Apple has confirmed that it is replacing its iTunes app with three separate apps for music, podcasts, and shows and films.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, announced the restructuring at the 2019 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California.
Apple will roll out the apps, named Music, Podcasts and TV, later this year as part of the next version of the Mac operating system, which will be called Catalina.
Each app represents a focus on customers streaming content via rentals and subscriptions rather than purchasing movies and music tracks to own. The restructuring also reflects Apple’s attempt to convince its customers to sign up for its Apple Music service and Apple TV+.
Users who have used iTunes to maintain a music library will not lose access to the content they have previously acquired.
- Any music that users previously purchased or imported to iTunes will be available in the new Apple Music app.
- All playlists maintained on iTunes will also be available in the new Apple Music app.
- Users will still be able to purchase music at the iTunes Store.
- All iTunes credits and gift cards will still be valid at the App Store and for the three new apps.
Users who have used iTunes as a media library for movies and television shows will find them in the new Apple TV app, which will be used going forward for rentals and purchases.
Users who have added or subscribed to podcasts via iTunes will find them in the new Apple Podcasts app.
Users who have purchased audiobooks through iTunes will find them in the updated Apple Books app, which will be used going forward to purchase audiobooks.