Apple is pulling the plug on iTunes and this has quite a few consequences for everyone who still uses the music program.
Apple launched iTunes in 2001 and the program quickly became one of the most popular media players ever, especially among iPod, iPhone and iPad users. Over the years, the media program has also been drastically adapted to meet the changing needs of users as much as possible. Also due to the strong rise of streaming services such as Spotify, Apple tried to breathe new life into the music program every time, which often did not help its user-friendliness.
During WWDC this year, Apple announced that it has now been good with iTunes: the plug is being pulled. At least from iTunes for Mac. The Windows version of iTunes will not change for the time being.
Various apps
The announcement does not come as a surprise. The streaming service Apple Music has now become a significant driver of the company's sales and users hardly buy digital albums and songs anymore. And no videos either. With Apple TV Plus, there should also be a service that focuses entirely on streaming television series. This quickly makes iTunes obsolete. And now that podcasts are increasing in popularity, Apple considers it only logical that a separate app for this will also be created in the long term.
Instead of bringing media together in one tool, Apple now wants separate apps for music, TV and podcasts.
But what happens to all the music you've collected over the years or the playlists you've put together with great care? And what should all music lovers, who still prefer to own songs digitally instead of paying monthly for a streaming service?
Transfer automatically
All current iTunes functions will be neatly housed in a music app, a podcast app, and a separate tool for videos. In order not to annoy loyal iTunes fans, the transition from iTunes to the new apps will be almost automatic. The music you've imported to iTunes or purchased from the iTunes Store will automatically be available in the Apple Music app. This also applies to all your (smart) playlists. So you don't lose it.
Surprisingly, the iTunes Store won't disappear, but will be tabbed into the Apple Music app on your Mac. The iOS and Apple TV versions of the iTunes Store will remain as they are.
The podcasts you have collected in iTunes will probably also automatically go to the new Podcasts app. Audiobooks then go back to the revamped Apple Books app on your Mac.
Movies and TV shows that you've purchased or rented through iTunes are automatically transferred to the Apple TV app. From there you can make new purchases or rent videos. If you are going to take out a subscription with the streaming service Apple TV Plus, you also need the Apple TV app.
If you still have credit in the iTunes Store or some unused gift cards, then you don't have to worry. You can spend the amount in the new apps and in the App Store. Backups and syncing of your iPhone and iPad now go through Finder on your Mac.
The end of iTunes does not mean the end of your music and film collection.
