Microsoft Admits an iTunes 'Metro' App for Windows 8 Not Coming 'Any Time Soon'

itunes_11_iconIn an interview with CNN Money, Microsoft chief financial officer Tami Reller said that Microsoft has talked to Apple about creating an iTunes app for Windows 8, but that users shouldn't expect it to arrive anytime soon.

"You shouldn't expect an iTunes app on Windows 8 any time soon," said Tami Reller, chief financial officer of Microsoft's Windows division. "ITunes is in high demand. The welcome mat has been laid out. It's not for lack of trying."

Currently, iTunes 11 is available for Windows 8's "Desktop" mode, which is a traditional PC interface within Windows 8 that works well with a keyboard and mouse. Microsoft, however, wants Apple to create an iTunes app for what was once known as its "Metro" interface, which features flat, colorful blocks optimized for touchscreen devices.

windows_8_metro_start

Windows 8 "Metro" start screen

CNN Money notes that Windows tablet users are likely the ones who are requesting an iTunes app for the operating system, as well as users looking through Microsoft's app store within Windows 8. However, the report also note that Apple is unlikely to fulfill Microsoft's request because "there's no reason for Apple to help make the Surface a better product."

Popular Stories

App Store vs EU Feature 2

Apple Says It Doesn't Approve of EU Porn App

Monday February 3, 2025 1:15 pm PST by
Apple does not approve of the "Hot Tub" pornography app that was released for the iPhone in the EU using alternative app distribution, Apple said in a statement to MacRumors. Further, Apple is concerned about the potential user safety risks with a pornography app, and says that it undermines consumer trust in the Apple ecosystem. We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore...
General Apple Invites Feature

Apple Launches New 'Invites' App

Tuesday February 4, 2025 8:00 am PST by
Apple today announced the launch of a new app called "Invites," which is designed to allow users to plan events like birthday parties, graduations, vacations, baby showers, and more. "With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together," said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple's senior director of...
iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Will Include These New Features for Your iPhone

Wednesday February 5, 2025 7:15 am PST by
iOS 18.3 was released last month, so the first iOS 18.4 beta should be coming soon. iOS 18.4 is expected to be a more substantial update for the iPhone, with several new features and changes related to Apple Intelligence and beyond. Apple's website suggests that iOS 18.4 will be released in April, following beta testing. Below, we outline what to expect from the update so far. Apple...
maxresdefault

An Apple TV Refresh is Coming in 2025 - Here's What You Should Know

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:17 am PST by
Apple hasn't refreshed the Apple TV since 2022, but rumors suggest that we're finally going to get an update in 2025. We don't have a full picture of what to expect yet, but we have some hints on what's coming. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Updated A-Series Chip The current Apple TV 4K uses the A15 Bionic chip that was in the iPhone 13 lineup, and it's time for...
applecare apple care banner

Apple Raises Monthly AppleCare+ Subscription Price for All iPhones

Tuesday February 4, 2025 9:35 am PST by
Apple this week increased the prices for its monthly AppleCare+ subscription prices for the iPhone, raising the cost by 50 cents for all models in the United States. Standard AppleCare+ for the iPhone 16 models is now priced at $10.49 per month, for example, up from the prior $9.99 per month price. The 50 cent price increase applies to all available AppleCare+ plans for Apple's current...
iCloud General Feature Redux

'Apple Invites' Leaked on iCloud Website

Tuesday February 4, 2025 7:11 am PST by
Update: The new Apple Invites app has officially been announced. The main iCloud.com page has seemingly confirmed Apple's rumored invites tool, which has yet to be officially announced by the company. The page says "Apple Invites" will be an iCloud+ feature:Upgrade to iCloud+ to get more storage, plan events with Apple Invites, and have peace of mind with privacy features like iCloud...
apple power beats pro 2

Apple Expected to Announce Powerbeats Pro 2 on February 11 With These New Features

Sunday February 2, 2025 6:15 am PST by
Apple previously teased that Powerbeats Pro 2 would be released in 2025, and now an announcement date has leaked. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said Apple plans to unveil the wireless earbuds on Tuesday, February 11. Powerbeats Pro 2 will be priced at $250 in the U.S., he said. Powerbeats Pro are a sportier, fitness-focused alternative to AirPods Pro with built-in, adjustable ear hooks...
hot tub app eu

EU's AltStore Gets First Native iOS Pornography App

Monday February 3, 2025 11:13 am PST by
In the European Union, the Digital Markets Act allows developers to distribute iOS apps through alternate app stores. While Apple checks those apps for malware and other malicious content, there are few restrictions on subject matter, unlike Apple's own App Store. As a result, EU users can now download the first dedicated native pornography app created for the iPhone. Called Hot Tub, the app ...

Top Rated Comments

guzhogi Avatar
153 months ago
People actually use Windows 8?
Score: 51 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArtOfWarfare Avatar
153 months ago
What happened to handing a glass of water to someone in hell?
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FSMBP Avatar
153 months ago
People actually use Windows 8?

Yeah just like people actually used Lion.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
camnchar Avatar
153 months ago
Microsoft pleading with Apple to make software for their operating system? My, how the worm has turned.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
roadbloc Avatar
153 months ago
People actually use Windows 8?

I use it. Best Windows OS I have ever used. People just need to get over the change and actually learn how it works. It is then, you realise it is probably one of the best OSs around.

That doesn't mean it doesn't need improvements though. Some things are questionable but they should be cleaned up in Windows 8.1.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrNomNoms Avatar
153 months ago
Le Sigh - iTunes already works on Windows 8. The issue that is being asked is about a native (see ModernUI) iTunes for Windows 8 - I don't see it happening because Apple wants to maintain a consistent look and feel across Windows and Mac OS X as well as maintaining their own unique Apple branding when on Windows rather than it being subsumed into Windows 8 to the point that it loses its identity.

If the bigger point was Microsoft wanting iTunes on Windows RT (and thus needs to be using WinRT) then maybe Microsoft should provide the ability for application developers to write desktop applications using WinRT/XAML and then deploy it on Windows RT to be run in a desktop environment. Microsoft needs to realise that ModernUI isn't the be all or end all thus not always relevant to every software title.

Btw, anyone see the local IT rags raving about how "Apple is behind Microsoft" because Apple wasn't stupid enough to do the suicidal move of merging their tablet and desktop operating system together like what Microsoft has done with Windows 8? I really have to ask how the heck some of these so-called journalists get their job because I almost vomited in my mouth hearing someone defend such a horrible decision by Microsoft to merge two different devices operating systems into one then explain away claiming that a touch screen is useful of a desktop.

btw, if I was Apple I'd say, "sure, we'll do an iTunes in the ModernUI and in return we want you to do give us a feature complete version of Office that is feature for feature equal to the Windows version and not the half ass half baked crap being sold today".
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)