Will we soon see the end of Apple’s game-changing iTunes?
According to a new report, Apple has prepared to break up iTunes. On desktops, at least.
Likely examining the iTunes desktop’s code, software developer Steve Troughton-Smith claims that he’s found evidence the Cupertino giant will replace iTunes with dedicated Music, Podcasts, and Video apps. Books may also receive a significant revamp.
On Twitter, he explained,
“I am now fairly confident based on evidence I don’t wish to make public at this point that Apple is planning new (likely UIKit) Music, Podcasts, perhaps even Books, apps for macOS, to join the new TV app.
“I expect the four to be the next wave of Marzipan [macOS] apps. [Take this with a] grain of salt, etc.”
Farewell to iTunes?
The move to separate its services makes sense.
As part of its subscription-driven future, the company has most recently unveiled its own plans to take on Netflix. Dubbed TV+, the new service will serve as the new hub for original films and series. The Cupertino giant will offer ad-free, exclusive content either green-lit by Apple or produced in-home.
Like Netflix and most other on-demand streaming video services, TV+ will require a monthly subscription. The service reportedly won’t launch until this autumn.
To successfully launch TV+, the Cupertino company has teamed up with smart TV makers, including Sony, Samsung, LG, and Vizio, among others. TV+ will also debut on Amazon’s Fire Stick devices.
In addition, the company has unveiled its own premium news service.
Dubbed Apple News+, the subscription service will give users access to over 300 curated newspapers and magazines from around the world. This includes newspapers as well as magazines such as Vogue, Times, Essence, and others.
The dedicated news service will soon roll out as a standalone app.
Speaking about his discovery, Troughton-Smith said,
“Yes, this means the much-discussed and long-awaited break up of iTunes. Finally!”
The company is expected to confirm the breakup as well as the launch of multiple standalone services at this year’s WWDC conference on June 3rd.
Featured image by Matias Cruz (CC by 2.0).
Correction: The New York Times and Washington Post did NOT sign up for Apple News.