Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Report Insists Apple Will Eliminate iTunes Store Music Downloads in Future
New sources have come forth claiming that Apple is in fact aiming to phase out digital music downloads on iTunes, despite the fact that Apple rep Tom Neumayr specifically stated such rumors were "not true" in May.
Speaking with Digital Music News, the insiders said that Apple is simply "keeping their options open" while moving forward, intending to keep a watch on how Apple Music performs in comparison to the digital sales numbers in iTunes.
According to the sources, Apple might be gearing up for an iTunes revamp that would introduce software architecture with the ability for the company to "more easily drop iTunes music downloads" down the road. This would allow Apple to subtly shift the service towards the streaming and radio side of things in the event that paid music downloads drop off precipitously.
The same sources suggest such a refresh could be discussed at WWDC next week, bringing "harmony" between Apple Music and iTunes while preparing for the potential closure of paid downloads down the line.
Sources couldn’t share screenshots or any sensitive information about the upcoming iTunes launch, though a key aspect of the overhaul includes ‘making more sense’ of iTunes music downloads and Apple Music streams. That has been a huge source of confusion for fans, even those that clearly understand the difference between downloading and streaming.The early rumors in May suggested that Apple was looking at a three-to-four year timeline on ending iTunes music downloads, with a staggered termination plan based on regional popularity of paid downloads. Projected gross from downloads in 2019 are around $600 million, down from the $3.9 billion users paid for downloads in 2012.
But one source noted that Apple is “definitely not getting rid of [music] downloads” at the WWDC event next week, or any time in the short-term future, while another mentioned that possibility that top executives may “double down” their expressed commitment to the format during WWDC presentations to cool rumors.
With many artists refraining from streaming services -- and fan support of owning their music remaining relatively strong -- DMN's sources admit that, for the time being, "downloads are here to stay."
Read DMN's full report on the iTunes download situation here.
Tag: Apple Music Guide
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42 months ago
If it happens, that will be the day I stop using Apple as my music source.
42 months ago
If that happens and they don't provide a worthwhile experience for those who keep their collections, ripped CDs, downloads or whatever, I'll leave iTunes behind.
And the less programs there are that keep me interested in Mac and iOS...
Go figure.
Maybe it's not all that bad that Apple keeps ****ing up...
Gets rid of a lot of the emotional attachment, switching will be a bit easier should it become necessary.
Glassed Silver:mac
PS: (I know iTunes is on Windows, but you know... iTunes for Windows right...)
And the less programs there are that keep me interested in Mac and iOS...
Go figure.
Maybe it's not all that bad that Apple keeps ****ing up...
Gets rid of a lot of the emotional attachment, switching will be a bit easier should it become necessary.
Glassed Silver:mac
PS: (I know iTunes is on Windows, but you know... iTunes for Windows right...)
42 months ago
I prefer to buy my music. Streaming is OK, but when their services are down, so is my music.
42 months ago
No more iTunes downloads. No more music purchases from me. I don't want Apple Music.
42 months ago
I'm trying to cut back on subscriptions in an effort to simplify my life. If Apple makes streaming their only option, then I know of at least one customer that they will lose. Based on other comments I've read, I won't be the only one. I really hope Apple doesn't make this move.
42 months ago
Why is it that in the last few years, Apple kills off only the things that are truly great: like the 17" MBP for example. I understand that not many people bought 17" laptops... But die hard apple fans did. The same die hard fans who promote apple to the world more than any apple marketing effort. Furthermore, watch any Hollywood film from say... 2005-2012. If there's a computer appearing in the film, 9 times out of 10, it's a 17" MBP.
Downloading music is no different. Even if sales dwindle, the fact remains that some people want to actually own something rather than pay for access via streaming. Apple should pay more attention to the core supporters of their products. 17" MBP and now this. Steve would not approve.
Downloading music is no different. Even if sales dwindle, the fact remains that some people want to actually own something rather than pay for access via streaming. Apple should pay more attention to the core supporters of their products. 17" MBP and now this. Steve would not approve.
42 months ago
I thought the whole point of iTunes was that you "owned" the songs... Why don't I just switch to Spotify if this is what's going to happen...
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