All articles tagged with #itunes
Apple still supports iTunes in 2026, but it’s no longer a single hub: macOS uses separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps with Finder-based device syncing, Windows has likewise split into multiple apps, and iTunes Store plus iTunes Match remain for legacy use; third-party tools can help manage libraries, keeping iTunes alive mainly for older setups.
Charli XCX released three B-sides from Music, Fashion, Film as iTunes exclusives, each accompanied by black-and-white videos, explaining on Instagram that the tracks sit adjacent to the album rather than on streaming, ahead of a 2026 arena tour with festival stops like Lollapalooza and Outside Lands.
Kid Rock added a Jesus-themed verse to Cody Johnson’s 2021 hit Til You Cant and performed it at Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show, a conservative alternative to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl, after which the cover jumped to No. 1 on the all-genre iTunes chart (Johnson’s original was No. 2). The track isn’t Kid Rock’s original, and the event was reportedly pre-recorded; reactions included lip-sync accusations about the opener and debates about the significance of an iTunes spike versus mainstream charts.
Bruce Springsteen released the protest song Streets of Minneapolis, dedicated to Minneapolis residents and to the late Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which quickly climbed to No. 1 on iTunes. The track decries federal immigration enforcement and calls out Trump administration officials by name, while DHS and White House spokespeople defended ICE and removal efforts. Official versions have millions of YouTube views and hundreds of thousands of Instagram likes.
Taylor Swift has revived iTunes for the exclusive pre-order of her new album 'The Life of a Showgirl,' marking a rare return of the platform since its decline in 2019. This move highlights her strategic focus on direct sales over streaming, emphasizing the value of album purchases for artists' revenue and chart success. Swift's efforts include limited-edition vinyls, special covers, and exclusive content, demonstrating her influence in both music and retail sectors.
Taylor Swift's 2017 album Reputation soared to No. 1 on iTunes after she announced she has gained full control over the masters of her first six albums, leading to a surge in her catalog's popularity and the possibility that she may not re-record Reputation (Taylor’s Version).
"Godzilla Minus One" has made history by simultaneously topping Netflix and iTunes VOD charts following an unexpected release. The film, which grossed $56 million in the U.S. and Canada, skipped the usual higher-priced PVOD rental and went directly to a $5.99 rental on iTunes. This surprise release has led to significant viewership, pushing it to #1 on both platforms.
Netflix is removing access to iTunes billing for users who have been paying through the platform, requiring them to pay the company directly. This change affects those on the basic plan and follows Netflix's decision to stop allowing new customers to sign up for in-app subscriptions on Apple devices in 2018. Customers who were enjoying grandfathered pricing will now have to pay the current rates, which have increased since the removal of the $10 basic plan in the US and the UK.
Apple has launched new music, TV, and mobile device management apps for Windows 10 and 11, aiming to replace the legacy iTunes software. The new apps allow users to manage music, video, and device syncing, with the old iTunes app eventually handling only podcasts and audiobooks. Windows users can now download these new apps from the Windows store, while the Windows iCloud app also received a visual overhaul. Apple is encouraging users to transition to the new apps, signaling the eventual discontinuation of iTunes for Windows.
Apple has officially released three new dedicated apps for Windows 10 and 11 as replacements for iTunes: the Music app for accessing and playing albums and songs, the TV app for movies and TV shows, and the Devices app for backing up, restoring, and syncing media between a Windows PC and an iPhone or iPad. With these new apps, the only remaining use for iTunes on Windows is for podcasts and audiobooks, but standalone apps for these are expected to follow. Users still on older Windows versions will need to continue using iTunes. The new apps read the contents of the iTunes library, and users are advised not to remove iTunes after installing the new apps.
Apple has announced the near end-of-life for iTunes for Windows, introducing new "standalone experiences" for Apple Music and Apple TV, as well as a new Devices management app for iPhone users. Windows users can still use iTunes for audiobooks and podcasts, and a redesigned iCloud for Windows app has also been released, offering cleaner access to iCloud features.
Apple is launching its Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple Devices apps on Windows, aiming to move users away from iTunes reliance. The apps, along with an overhauled iCloud for Windows app, provide access to iTunes libraries, subscription streaming content, and device backup and sync. Microsoft has collaborated with Apple on the apps and welcomed their launch, with the new apps currently available only on traditional x86-based PCs running Windows 10 or 11.
Apple has redesigned the iCloud for Windows app, introducing a clearer interface and improved sync performance, while also removing Apple Music and Apple TV from preview status on Windows. This marks the ongoing transition from iTunes to separate apps for each service, leaving iTunes on Windows with a purpose for playing podcasts and audiobooks, but with no word on whether Apple plans to introduce proper Podcasts and Books apps for Windows.
Britney Spears' 2011 song "Selfish" has surpassed ex Justin Timberlake's new song of the same name on the U.S. iTunes Top Songs chart, as her fans rallied to stream her music and push it to number one. This comes after Britney candidly discussed their past relationship in her memoir, including revelations about a pregnancy and breakup. Justin's new song "Selfish" is the first single off his upcoming album, and the trolling on the charts follows Britney's recent disclosures about their early-aughts romance.
Ariana Grande is strategically releasing multiple versions of her new single "Yes, And?" in an effort to secure the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Currently dominating the U.S. iTunes chart with 14 variations of the song, including instrumental and a cappella versions, Grande's tactic aims to maximize sales and chart performance. While this strategy is common among artists, the extent of 14 versions in a short span raises eyebrows, signaling a clear push for the top spot.