iTunes

iTunes in 2024: What It Does & What Replaced It
Apple has significantly changed iTunes over the years, especially on Macs. Here’s the current status of iTunes and its replacements:

🔹 What Happened to iTunes?
On Mac (macOS Catalina 10.15 & later):

iTunes was split into separate apps:

Music (for songs, playlists, Apple Music)

Apple TV (for movies & TV shows)

Podcasts (for podcast subscriptions)

Finder (for iPhone/iPad syncing & backups)

The iTunes Store still exists inside the Music and Apple TV apps.

On Windows & Older Macs:

iTunes still exists but is no longer updated with major new features.

It still handles music, movies, device syncing, and backups.

🔹 What Can You Still Do with iTunes?
1. On Windows (iTunes Still Available)
Manage Music & Playlists (import CDs, create playlists, buy songs).

Sync iPhones & iPads (backup, restore, update iOS).

Buy/Rent Movies & TV Shows (iTunes Store).

Authorize/Deauthorize Computers (for Apple ID purchases).

2. On Mac (Replaced by Apple’s New Apps)
Music App → Listen to Apple Music, manage your library, buy songs.

Apple TV App → Rent/buy movies & shows.

Finder → Sync & backup iPhones/iPads (no more iTunes device management).

🔹 iTunes Store: Is It Still Available?
Yes, but only for:

Music purchases (inside the Music app).

Movie/TV show purchases (inside the Apple TV app).

iTunes Gift Cards still work for Apple Music, apps, and other services.

🔹 Can You Still Download iTunes?
Mac (macOS Catalina+): No, it’s replaced by Music, Apple TV, etc.

Windows & Older Macs: Yes, from Apple’s website.

🔹 The Future of iTunes
iTunes is effectively dead on Mac but remains on Windows for now.

Apple is pushing Apple Music & streaming over iTunes purchases.