Windows finally gets Apple Music and Apple TV apps

After years of waiting, Windows users can finally say goodbye to Apple’s iTunes app. As a replacement, Apple has introduced three new apps: Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices. These apps are now available in the Microsoft Store and offer limited functionality compared to iTunes.

Farewell to iTunes: the end of an era

The iTunes app for Mac was eliminated in 2019, making way for a new suite of apps that include Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Books, and Apple Podcasts. These more specific apps were introduced to simplify use for beginners and to follow Apple’s approach on the iPhone and iPad.

After a long wait, Windows users can finally say goodbye to iTunes as well. Apple’s new apps, Apple Music and Apple TV, are now available in the Microsoft Store. It is important to note that the Apple Books and Apple Podcasts apps are not yet available on Windows. If you previously used iTunes to listen to audiobooks or podcasts on a Windows PC, you will need to continue to do so. Also, the Apple Devices app, which does not exist on macOS, allows you to synchronize files with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

How to install and authorize apps

To use these apps, you will need to install all three. In addition, you will need to authorize your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with your Apple ID. To do this, install and open Apple Music or Apple TV on your Windows PC, click on the “Account” tab at the top of the app window, and access the “Authorized Devices” menu. Detailed instructions are available on Apple’s website.

Note that the Apple Music and Apple TV apps are still based on the old iTunes folder. If you have a large collection of media files in the iTunes folder, it will automatically show up in the Apple Music or Apple TV apps. By deleting the iTunes folder, you will lose all your local media files. However, Apple Music can play local media files even without a subscription to the service.

Availability of apps on Windows

The Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices apps are available from the Microsoft Store. If you prefer to continue using iTunes for music or device management, we do not recommend installing these apps, as they will limit iTunes functionality to podcasts and audiobooks. It is important to note that the new apps are not yet available on older versions of Windows, but this is not surprising, as most apps are dropping Windows 7 and 8.1.

Conclusions

The arrival of the Apple Music and Apple TV apps on Windows marks the end of an era for iTunes. Windows users can finally enjoy an easier and more focused experience with these new apps. If you still need to use Apple Books or Apple Podcasts on a Windows PC, you will need to continue to do so using iTunes. Remember to authorize your Windows device with your Apple ID in order to use apps such as Apple Music and Apple TV.