Apple Introduces Three Windows Apps to Replace iTunes, Signals End of an Era
Apple has officially bid farewell to its iconic iTunes software for Windows, unveiling three separate applications for music, video, and device management. The move signifies the tech giant’s ongoing transition towards a more streamlined user experience across its platforms.
Available for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, Apple’s new music, TV, and mobile device management apps can now be downloaded from the Windows Store. Alongside these releases, the Windows iCloud app has received a visual refresh, offering a more intuitive interface for users.
With the new apps, users can manage their music library, enjoy Apple Music streaming, access purchased movies and TV shows, and seamlessly sync content between their PCs and iPhones or iPads. The mobile device management app facilitates backups, restores, and manual updates for Apple devices.
Apple is encouraging users to make the switch from iTunes to the new applications, with the eventual goal of discontinuing the legacy all-in-one software. While iTunes will still handle podcasts and audiobooks, its days as a comprehensive media hub are numbered.
For those still reliant on iTunes, the option remains available, but Apple’s focus is clearly on steering users towards the modernized experience offered by the new apps. However, the company continues to provide updates for the Windows version of iTunes, though its long-term support remains uncertain.
The transition away from iTunes began in 2019 for macOS systems and expanded to Windows in 2022 with preview versions of the new media apps. Now, with their full release, Windows 10 users join the transition, marking a significant milestone in Apple’s effort to modernize its software ecosystem.
In addition to the app overhaul, Apple has revamped the Windows iCloud app, enhancing its interface and adding support for physical security keys. While functionality remains largely unchanged, the update delivers a more seamless user experience and compatibility with modern security measures.
