iTunes
iTunes (/ˈaɪt(j)uːnz/ EYE-t(y)oonz)[1] is a software program that acts as a media player, media library, mobile device management utility, and the client app for the iTunes Store. Developed by Apple Inc., it is used to purchase, play, download, and organize digital multimedia, on personal computers running the macOS and Windows operating systems, and can be used to rip songs from CDs, as well as play content with the use of dynamic, smart playlists. Options for sound optimizations exist, as well as ways to wirelessly share the iTunes library.
Not to be confused with Apple Music or Music (Apple).Developer(s)
January 9, 2001
- macOS Mojave and earlier, can be installed on macOS Catalina or later using third party software.
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
400 MB
iTunes was originally announced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs on January 9, 2001. iTunes' original and main focus was music, with a library offering organization and storage of Mac users' music collections. With the 2003 addition of the iTunes Store for purchasing and downloading digital music, and a version of the program for Windows, it became a ubiquitous tool for managing music and configuring other features on Apple's line of iPod media players, which extended to the iPhone and iPad upon their introduction. Onwards from 2005, Apple expanded on the core music features of iTunes with support for digital video, podcasts, e-books, and mobile apps purchased from the iOS App Store. Since the release of iOS 5 in 2011, these devices have become less dependent on iTunes, though it can still be used to back up their contents.
Though well received in its early years, iTunes received increasing criticism for a bloated user experience, which incorporated features beyond its original focus on music. Beginning with Macs running macOS Catalina and Windows 11 PCs, iTunes was replaced by separate apps, namely Music, Podcasts, and TV, with Finder and Apple Devices taking over the device management capabilities.[2][3][4] This change did not affect iTunes running on Windows or older macOS versions.[5]
In February 2024, most features of iTunes for Windows were split into the Apple TV, Music, and Apple Devices apps. When the apps are installed, iTunes is still used for podcasts and audiobooks.[6]
Other features[edit]
Video[edit]
In May 2005, video support was introduced to iTunes with the release of iTunes 4.8,[51][52] though it was limited to bonus features part of album purchases.[53] The following October, Apple introduced iTunes 6, enabling support for purchasing and viewing video content purchased from the iTunes Store.[54] At launch, the store offered popular shows from the ABC network, including Desperate Housewives and Lost, along with Disney Channel series That's So Raven and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. CEO Steve Jobs told the press that "We're doing for video what we've done for music — we're making it easy and affordable to purchase and download, play on your computer, and take with you on your iPod."[54]
In 2008, Apple and select film studios introduced "iTunes Digital Copy", a feature on select DVDs and Blu-ray discs allowing a digital copy in iTunes and associated media players.[55][56][57]
Criticism[edit]
Security[edit]
The Telegraph reported in November 2011 that Apple had been aware of a security vulnerability since 2008 that would let unauthorized third parties install "updates" to users' iTunes software. Apple fixed the issue before the Telegraph's report and told the media that "The security and privacy of our users is extremely important", though this was questioned by security researcher Brian Krebs, who told the publication that "A prominent security researcher warned Apple about this dangerous vulnerability in mid-2008, yet the company waited more than 1,200 days to fix the flaw."[75]
Software bloat[edit]
iTunes has been repeatedly accused of being bloated as part of Apple's efforts to turn it from a music player to an all-encompassing multimedia platform.[63][76][77][78][79] Former PC World editor Ed Bott accused the company of hypocrisy in its advertising attacks on Windows for similar practices.[80]
The role of iTunes has been replaced with independent apps, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV; with iPhone, iPod, and iPad management integrated into the Finder starting with macOS 10.15 Catalina, and appearing as Apple Devices starting with Windows 11.