Secret Apple plot to kill iTunes ‘revealed’ as Instagram and Facebook pages for app are wiped clean
APPLE is to axe iTunes — but all downloaded songs will be safe, it said last night.
The tech giant is replacing the service with three programs for its Mac computers — Music, TV and Podcasts.
This change is expected to first go live in macOS 10.15, a new software updated expected to go live in September 2019.
iTunes – the key facts
Here's what you need to know...
- Apple launched iTunes on January 9, 2001 for Mac computers
- A Windows PC releaase came later in 2003
- The app was designed to play your music files, but quickly expanded to serve many more jobs
- When the iPhone launched, you could use iTunes to sync and update your handset
- And now it's possible to purchase songs and movies through iTunes, as well as download podcasts
- However, iTunes has been widely criticised as being overcomplicated and confusing
- Apple has turned iTunes from a music player to a huge multimedia platform, which has made it "bloated"
- It can also be slow, has an awkward layout (at least by Apple's high standards), and has a confusing iPhone syncing process
It's no surprise that Apple may be plotting to break up iTunes.
The company is desperate to boost its services business, recently announcing the launch of a TV service to rival Netflix, a news subscription service, a video gaming Arcade subscription, and already offers a Spotify rival called Apple Music.
If Apple wants these apps to succeed, it will need to start breaking some of its services – like Apple Music – out of iTunes.
Speaking to The Sun earlier this year, industry expert Dan Ives said: "We believe the final nail in iTunes coffin is on horizon, a long overdue move in our opinion.
The Wedbush Securities analyst continued: "Apple is on a path to modernise its application structure which is a smart strategy especially with its linchpin streaming strategy coming down the road this fall."
We've asked Apple for comment and will update this story with any response.
Find out all the latest news on Apple's WWDC 2019 event this week.
Die-hard Apple fans will also want to read all about the rumoured iPhone 11.
And check out the features to expect from the new iOS 13 update for your iPhone.
Will you be sad to see iTunes go? Let us know in the comments!
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