Apple’s iconic iTunes software is finally being phased out for Windows users, marking the end of an era for the once-do-it-all program. In its place, Apple has launched three dedicated apps: Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices, offering a more streamlined and modern experience that reflects the Mac ecosystem.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The End of iTunes: As of February 2024, iTunes will no longer be the primary hub for music, videos, and device management on Windows 10 and later. While iTunes will still exist for accessing podcasts and audiobooks, the new apps take over the core functionalities.
- Dedicated Apps for Everything: Apple Music allows you to listen to and manage your music library, including iTunes purchases. Apple TV lets you watch and manage movies and TV shows, while Apple Devices handles managing your iPhones and iPads, including updates, backups, restores, and content syncing.
- Modernized Experience: The new apps offer a cleaner and more intuitive interface that closely resembles their Mac counterparts. This provides a more consistent experience across Apple devices and platforms.
- Compatibility: The new apps require Windows 10 or later, so if you haven’t upgraded yet, you’ll need to do so to access them. However, if you can’t upgrade, you can still use the older iTunes version for limited functionality.
- Transitioning Your Library: Your existing iTunes library isn’t lost. The new apps access your media content from the library, so you won’t lose any music, movies, or TV shows. However, it’s important not to delete the iTunes app as it still plays a role in enabling the new apps to function.
Overall, this move signifies Apple’s focus on providing a more streamlined and platform-agnostic experience for its users. While some may miss the all-in-one convenience of iTunes, the dedicated apps offer a more modern and user-friendly way to manage your content and devices.
