Back in 2019, Apple removed its classic iTunes media player from macOS, replacing it with four separate applications. Since then, iTunes has continued to exist on Windows as a way to manage media or connect/backup iPhones and iPads. However, Apple has now decided to also sunset iTunes on Windows and convert to the macOS apps.
This has been confirmed by Microsoft as part of a new Windows 11 preview build (25276). Users on the Insider Program can now start using preview versions of the Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices apps that replace iTunes.
The trio of apps are available from the Microsoft Store. Apple builds the new apps on Marzipan, its technology that allows iOS applications to port to macOS without additional coding.
As their names suggest, Apple Music will bring users their music libraries while Apple TV will focus on video (movies and TV shows). The latter app will also be the hub users with Apple TV+ subscriptions.
Apps
Apple Devices becomes the hub for your iPhones and iPads when connected to a Windows machine. Here you can back up your iDevice, update the software, sync your media, and other management options.
Microsoft points out that users who install any (or all) of the new Apple apps will not be able to use iTunes anymore. So, keep in mind that if you need iTunes for tasks these apps don’t handle to avoid downloading them for now. If you do install the apps and need iTunes, you will need to uninstall the new apps to access iTunes.
For example, for audiobooks and podcasts, two iTunes features the new apps do not cover. Apple will eventually bake support for both into the Apple Music app on Windows.
Tip of the day: Do you know that Windows 11 / Windows 10 allows creating PDFs from basically any app with printing support? In our tutorial, we show you how this works via Microsoft Print to PDF and Bullzip PDF Printer to save a PDF from any app, even with advanced options like adjusted quality, multi-page printing, and password protection.
