Applehas finally called time on iTunes on the Mac, as it breaks the app down into three different streams - Apple Music, Podcasts and Apple TV. With three separate apps, it takes the load off iTunes, which has been absorbing functions since its 2001 launch.
The new apps will mean that each element of entertainment happens in its own bespoke space, rather than slotting into a single app and making it more complex to switch between functions and content than it needs to be.
That means that when you plug inyour iPhone, iTunes won’t pop open trying to do everything. Instead, you’ll be able to find your iPhone or iOS device syncing options in a Finder sidebar, if you want to sync or backup via cable.
The changes will be swept in with MacOS Catalina, the next release of Apple’s Mac software. But rather than bore you with the details of everything new that Apple will be bringing in your next software update, let’s take a look at where iTunes came from and some of the key moments along the way.
In reality, the decommissioning of iTunes is long overdue. The app has been providing more and more functionality as a portal to Apple’s mobile devices, which it held onto well beyond its usefulness. For many users, iTunes no longer really served any purpose, or was a nasty place to go.
As Apple looks to bolster services - and push more content though Apple Music andApple TV+- the apps that those services run through become more important. Split into Apple Music, Podcasts and Apple TV, things will be a lot cleaner - and if you don’t want anything to do with music or podcasts, you never have to use them.
So say goodnight to iTunes. It’s been around for a long time and will never be forgotten.
For Windows users, as far as we know, iTunes will remain, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s replaced in the future.
