Do you use iTunes? What about other apps like Soundcloud, Spotify, and YouTube? Well it seems as if Apple wants a bit of a change. Apple plans to retire iTunes after 16 years of using the source. iTunes’ one-stop shop for music, TV and podcast content will be replaced with three new apps specific to each category. That would bring desktop users in line with Apple’s mobile strategy; iPad and iPhone users already make use of separate apps for music, TV and podcasts.
The release of iTunes came a couple of months before the company introduced the original iPod, and the software was clearly built with the goal of helping mainstream audiences transition into the MP3 era. Apple wouldn’t launch its own music download store for another two years, so iTunes was first used as a tool to digitize music from CDs, and also help users who may have downloaded MP3s from file sharing networks manage their growing libraries.
The report comes just days afterThis all unfolded after Apple was accused of “intentionally and unlawfully” selling its users’ iTunes habits and other data in a lawsuit filed in California. The civil suit says the data includes user names, home addresses and music preferences that were sold to third parties without consent. “intentionally and unlawfully” selling its users’ iTunes habits and other data in a lawsuit filed in California. The civil suit says the data includes user names, home addresses and music preferences that were sold to third parties without consent.