Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices standalone apps for Windows are now out of preview and available to use globally, Cupertino announced today. The new apps are designed to replace the iTunes store on Windows PCs running Windows 10 and Windows 11 (also, only x86-based systems are supported at this point). iTunes isn’t going away completely just yet as Apple says it will “continue to be the home for Podcasts and Audiobooks.” But this is only for Windows machines. iTunes for Mac has long been retired following the launch of macOS Catalina.
And so technically, iTunes on Windows is now four different apps, each catering to a different –but somewhat related— functionality.
Apple notes the Apple Music app interface features an updated design and support for lossless playback, time synced lyrics, and 4K music videos. Apple TV app will bring 4K playback and subscription channels on Windows for the first time, it adds, while being a one-stop-shop for your library and purchased or rented video content. Lastly, Apple Devices will allow you to update, sync and backup your Apple devices from a Windows machine.
Apple has also overhauled the existing iCloud for Windows app with a new onboarding and setup experience as well as improvements to photo syncing performance with Microsoft Photos and support for physical security keys for secure Apple ID sign in.
As we mentioned before, the updates are available for x86 systems only which is to say that Qualcomm-powered Windows devices (or more specifically ARM64 machines) are not getting the new apps at the present. Watch this space for more details.
Follow FE Tech Bytes on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook.
