Apple Officially Releases Replacement Media Apps for Windows, Killing iTunes
In a move that has been long-awaited by Windows users, Apple has officially bid farewell to iTunes for Windows. The tech giant has introduced three new apps as replacements for the various functions previously performed by iTunes. These apps, namely the Music app, the TV app, and the Devices app, are now available for download on the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11.
The Music app allows users to access and play their favorite albums and songs, while the TV app serves the same purpose for movies and TV shows. Additionally, the Devices app enables users to back up, restore, and sync their music, movies, and TV shows between a Windows PC and an iPhone or iPad.
With the introduction of these dedicated apps, the only remaining function of iTunes for Windows is to access podcasts and audiobooks. However, considering that standalone apps for podcasts and audiobooks have long been available for iOS and iPadOS, it is safe to assume that Windows versions of these apps will be released in the near future.
It is important to note that the new apps are only compatible with Windows 10 and 11. Users still running older versions of Windows will need to continue using iTunes. This should serve as an incentive for users to upgrade to a supported version of Windows if they haven’t already.
For those who choose to download and install the new apps, Apple advises installing all three of them together. It is not possible to pick and choose which apps to install. If only one app is downloaded, iTunes for Windows will prompt the user to download the other two.
Furthermore, it is recommended not to remove iTunes after installing the new apps, as it is still necessary for accessing podcasts and audiobooks. The Apple Music app and the Apple TV app read the contents of the iTunes library to provide access to albums, TV shows, and movies. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the Library folder and files intact. To view iTunes Store purchases in both apps, users will need to authorize their Windows PC with their Apple ID.
Once the Apple Music app, Apple TV app, and Apple Devices app are downloaded, users will no longer find any of their music or video content in iTunes. Additionally, iTunes can no longer be used for manual syncing and management of iPhones or iPads.
Windows users who have struggled with the cumbersome nature of iTunes over the years will undoubtedly welcome this news. While iTunes initially started as a simple and reliable app for purchasing music and audiobooks, it gradually became bloated with unnecessary features, resulting in a slow and buggy experience, particularly on Windows.
In 2019, Apple eliminated iTunes for Mac users with the release of MacOS Catalina. The company replaced its functions with dedicated apps and integrated backup and syncing capabilities into the Mac’s Finder tool.
In October 2022, both Apple and Microsoft hinted at a similar fate for iTunes for Windows, announcing that the Apple Music and Apple TV apps would be available on the Microsoft Store in 2023. In January of the following year, preview versions of these apps, along with the Devices app, made their appearance in the store, but exclusively for Windows 11.
Now, with the official rollout of these replacement apps, Windows 10 and 11 users can finally bid farewell to iTunes. As a Windows user myself, I am certainly relieved by this development. The new apps promise a more streamlined and efficient media experience, free from the frustrations that plagued iTunes for so long.
To download the new apps, simply visit the Microsoft Store and follow the provided links. Embrace this change and enjoy a seamless media experience on your Windows device. Goodbye, iTunes; we won’t miss you.