iTunes is one of Apple's long-running apps, having been available for many years now, both on Windows and macOS. Now, though, it seems like those on macOS may see the current form of the app changing significantly. As reported by 9to5Mac, the next version of the OS, expected to be version 10.15, will include standalone apps for Music and Podcasts, in addition to the new Apple TV app, which was announced last month.
Well-known developer Steve Troughton-Smith was the first one to hint at this possibility on Twitter, but 9to5Mac has apparently confirmed it with its sources, going as far as getting a look at the icons for the Podcasts and Apple TV apps.
In addition to the new apps, it looks like Books may be refreshed as well, with a new sidebar menu that will house collections for books, audiobooks, PDFs, and even custom collections. A smaller top bar will include navigation options such as links to the book store and so on.
The Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV apps will reportedly all be developed using Marzipan, the technology Apple has been using to bring some of its iPad apps to macOS more easily. It's speculated, though not clear, that the new Books app will be developed in a similar fashion.
While some of the functionality of iTunes may be moved to other apps, it seems that the app itself isn't going away just yet, since it's an important tool for backing up data from some older iPhone and iPod models. As for the iTunes app on Windows, it seems somewhat unlikely that a similar split will happen. Apple is shifting some of its focus to services, but those services still mostly limited to Apple's own devices, so there may not be a reason to make that change.
Source: 9to5Mac
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