Goodbye iTunes: Apple has three new apps for Windows
Apple is preparing to slowly say goodbye to iTunes. There are three new apps for Windows that take over important functions of the old programme.
With an iPod, and in the early years of the iPhone, there was no way around iTunes. However, many people had bad memories of the programme's user experience. With the iCloud and streaming services, iTunes lost its monopoly position and became less popular. Three new apps are set to take over under Windows: Apple TV, Apple Music and Apple Devices.
Farewell to one app for everything
With the three apps that left the test phase at the beginning of February 2024, Apple is splitting the functions of iTunes:
- Apple TV lets you watch films and series from your iTunes library and stream them via Apple TV+
- Apple Music gives you access to the musical content of your iTunes library and the streaming service of the same name.
- Apple Devices is the tool for managing your iPhone or iPad via a Windows computer - including backup without iCloud.
The iCloud app for Windows has been around for some time, but has only recently been updated. It gives you access to your photos, files, contacts, calendars and bookmarks from the Apple Cloud. You can also bring your passwords stored there to Windows.
iTunes is not yet disappearing completely
iTunes is not yet disappearing completely. You will still need the programme to access podcasts or audiobooks from Apple on Windows. They are not integrated into Apple Music, nor is a podcast app for Windows on the horizon.
The three new programmes are available for x86 PCs - i.e. with CPUs from Intel or AMD - with Windows 10 or 11. There are currently no ARM versions for Windows computers. <p
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.