Apple Inc. on Monday announced the demise of iTunes by replacing it with the three separate, more popular entertainment apps of Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV in an upcoming new macOS.
Apple is introducing the new update to its macOS 10.15, the latest version of the Mac desktop operating system, as some features such as Podcasts have been available on iPhones and iPads for many years.
iTunes has been a major place for Apple users to buy online music since it was launched by Apple founder Steve Jobs at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco in January 2001.
However, iTunes became more marginalized in recent years as more Apple users opted to sign up for Apple Music subscription service to buy songs or albums.
At its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in San Jose, California, Apple said the new macOS is the "world's most advanced desktop operating system, packed with cool new features, fresh new apps and powerful new technology for developers."
Apple added colorful sidebars and clear menus that are easier to navigate to the apps in the new macOS.
The Apple Music app will focus on music and personalized recommendations that help users discover music resources from a database of over 50 million songs, playlists and music videos, said the U.S. tech giant.
Apple Podcasts will offer users improved podcast listening experience by providing about 700,000 shows in its catalog and other collections prepared by editors around the world.
The all-new Apple TV app includes much of Apple's exclusive content such as Apple TV channels, over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows. It will also feature other providers' shows, including U.S. cable TV networks Showtime and HBO.
"With macOS Catalina, we're bringing fresh new apps to the Mac, starting with new standalone versions of Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and the Apple TV app," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering.
Apple users will see more great third-party apps arrive on the Mac this fall, he said.
Apple also announced many other software and hardware products at Monday's WWDC, including its 32-inch 6K Retina Pro Display XDR, the redesigned Mac Pro, the updated iOS 13 for mobile devices and the powerful iPadOS operating system dedicated only to iPads that features large display and versatility with powerful multitasking capabilities.
