iTunes

{{See also|History of iTunes}}

SoundJam MP, released by Casady & Greene in 1999, was renamed "iTunes" when Apple purchased it the next year. The primary developers of the software moved to Apple as part of the acquisition, and simplified SoundJam's user interface, added the ability to burn CDs, and removed its recording feature and skin support.{{Cite web |last=Seff |first=Jonathan |date=May 1, 2001 |title=The Song Is Over for SoundJam |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1002145/11soundjam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402152452/https://www.macworld.com/article/1002145/11soundjam.html |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}}{{Cite book |last=Levy |first=Steven |url= |title=The Perfect Thing: How the iPod Shuffles Commerce, Culture, and Coolness |date=2006 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-7432-9391-4 |pages=47–49 |language=en}} The first version of iTunes, promotionally dubbed "World's Best and Easiest To Use Jukebox Software",{{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Jacqui |date=November 23, 2012 |title=iTunes through the ages |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/11/itunes-through-the-ages/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014226/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/11/itunes-through-the-ages/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast}} was announced on January 9, 2001.{{Cite web |last=McElhearn |first=Kirk |date=January 9, 2016 |title=15 years of iTunes: A look at Apple's media app and its influence on an industry |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/3019878/software/15-years-of-itunes-a-look-at-apples-media-app-and-its-influence-on-an-industry.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014254/https://www.macworld.com/article/3019878/software/15-years-of-itunes-a-look-at-apples-media-app-and-its-influence-on-an-industry.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} Subsequent releases of iTunes often coincided with new hardware devices, and gradually included support for new features, including "smart playlists", the iTunes Store, and new audio formats.

Apple released iTunes for Windows on October 16, 2003.{{Cite web |date=October 16, 2003 |title=Apple Launches iTunes for Windows |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2003/10/16Apple-Launches-iTunes-for-Windows/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109084502/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2003/10/16Apple-Launches-iTunes-for-Windows/ |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Apple Newsroom |publisher=Apple Inc.}}

On April 26, 2018, iTunes was released on Microsoft Store for Windows 10,{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=April 26, 2018 |title=iTunes is now available in the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/26/17287260/itunes-windows-10-microsoft-store-download |url-status=live |access-date=April 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120232526/https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/26/17287260/itunes-windows-10-microsoft-store-download |archive-date=January 20, 2021}} primarily to allow it to be installed on Windows 10 devices configured to only allow installation of software from Microsoft Store.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=May 11, 2017 |title=Apple is bringing iTunes to the Windows Store |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/11/15616594/apple-itunes-windows-store-app-windows-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201238/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/11/15616594/apple-itunes-windows-store-app-windows-10 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}} Unlike Windows versions for other platforms, it is more self-contained due to technical requirements for distribution on the store (not installing background helper services such as Bonjour), and is updated automatically through the store rather than using Apple Software Update.{{Cite web |date=January 23, 2019 |title=Apple iTunes: Standalone vs. Microsoft Store Edition |url=https://blog.elcomsoft.com/2019/01/apple-itunes-standalone-vs-microsoft-store-edition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016073231/https://blog.elcomsoft.com/2019/01/apple-itunes-standalone-vs-microsoft-store-edition/ |archive-date=October 16, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2020 |website=ElcomSoft blog |language=en-US}}

The role of iTunes has been replaced with independent apps, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Books, and Apple TV; with iPhone, iPod, and iPad management integrated into the Finder starting with macOS 10.15 Catalina, and appearing as Apple Devices starting with Windows 10.{{Cite web |title=Download iTunes for Windows |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/118290 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606030542/https://support.apple.com/en-us/118290 |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |website=Apple, Inc}}{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Apple moves away from iTunes on PC with new Windows apps |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/8/24065866/apple-windows-apps-music-tv-devices-itunes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529000914/https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/8/24065866/apple-windows-apps-music-tv-devices-itunes |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=June 9, 2024 |website=The Verge}}

iTunes features a music library. Each track has attributes, called metadata, that can be edited by the user, including changing the name of the artist, album, and genre, year of release, artwork, among other additional settings.{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Matt |date=April 30, 2014 |title=Clean up and organize your iTunes music library |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/clean-up-and-organize-your-itunes-music-library/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014027/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/clean-up-and-organize-your-itunes-music-library/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive}}{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Dan |date=February 13, 2014 |title=How I edit track metadata in iTunes |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/2097420/how-i-edit-track-metadata-in-itunes.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014236/https://www.macworld.com/article/2097420/how-i-edit-track-metadata-in-itunes.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} The software supports importing digital audio tracks that can then be transferred to iOS devices,{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Sam |date=October 4, 2017 |title=How to Import Downloaded Music to iTunes |url=https://www.lifewire.com/add-downloaded-mp3s-to-itunes-4103834 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201439/https://www.lifewire.com/add-downloaded-mp3s-to-itunes-4103834 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Lifewire |publisher=Dotdash}} as well as supporting ripping content from CDs.{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Sam |date=June 13, 2017 |title=Use iTunes to Copy CDs to Your iPhone or iPod |url=https://www.lifewire.com/copy-cd-to-ipod-iphone-with-itunes-1999496 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111161621/https://www.lifewire.com/copy-cd-to-ipod-iphone-with-itunes-1999496 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Lifewire |publisher=Dotdash}}{{Cite web |last=Breen |first=Christopher |date=January 12, 2011 |title=How to rip CDs with iTunes |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1156861/software-graphics/howto-rip-cds.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014244/https://www.macworld.com/article/1156861/software-graphics/howto-rip-cds.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} iTunes supports WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, AAC, and MP3 audio formats.{{Cite web |last=McElhearn |first=Kirk |date=April 14, 2016 |title=The complete guide to using iTunes with lossless audio |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/3053566/software/the-complete-guide-to-using-itunes-with-lossless-audio.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111161623/https://www.macworld.com/article/227769/the-complete-guide-to-using-itunes-with-lossless-audio.html |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} It uses the Gracenote music database to provide track name listings for audio CDs. When users rip content from a CD, iTunes attempts to match songs to the Gracenote service. For self-published CDs, or those from obscure record labels, iTunes would normally only list tracks as numbered entries ("Track 1" and "Track 2") on an unnamed album by an unknown artist, requiring manual input of data.{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Sam |date=March 28, 2017 |title=What To Do When iTunes Doesn't Have CD Names for Your Music |url=https://www.lifewire.com/when-itunes-doesnt-have-cd-names-for-music-2000484 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711152001/https://www.lifewire.com/when-itunes-doesnt-have-cd-names-for-music-2000484 |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Lifewire |publisher=Dotdash}}

File metadata is displayed in users' libraries in columns, including album, artist, genre, composer, and more.{{Cite web |last=Bove |first=Tony |title=How to browse iTunes by artist and album |url=http://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/mp3-players/ipod/how-to-browse-itunes-by-artist-and-album/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201443/http://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/mp3-players/ipod/how-to-browse-itunes-by-artist-and-album/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=For Dummies |publisher=John Wiley & Sons}} Users can enable or disable different columns, as well as change view settings.{{Cite web |last=Bohon |first=Cory |date=August 21, 2015 |title=How to change iTunes playlist view |url=http://www.techradar.com/how-to/software/applications/how-to-change-itunes-playlist-view-1302442 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201440/http://www.techradar.com/how-to/software/applications/how-to-change-itunes-playlist-view-1302442 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=TechRadar |publisher=Future plc}}

Introduced in 2004,{{Cite web |last=Snell |first=Jason |date=April 28, 2004 |title=iTunes 4.5: Hits and Misses |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1030797/000169.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014229/https://www.macworld.com/article/1030797/000169.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} "Party Shuffle" selected tracks to play randomly from the library, though users could press a button to skip a song and go to the next in the list.{{Cite web |last=McElhearn |first=Kirk |date=February 5, 2007 |title=Doing the iTunes shuffle |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1055239/marchplaylist.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014143/https://www.macworld.com/article/1055239/marchplaylist.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} The feature was later renamed "iTunes DJ",{{Cite web |last=Hahn |first=Jason Duaine |date=January 10, 2015 |title=Happy Birthday, iTunes: Here's How Apple's Media App Has Changed Over 14 Years |url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/01/worst-itunes-changes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201447/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/01/worst-itunes-changes/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Complex |publisher=Verizon Hearst Media Partners}} before being discontinued altogether, replaced by a simpler "Up Next" feature that notably lost some of "iTunes DJ"'s functionality.{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Sam |date=February 9, 2017 |title=Using the Up Next Feature in iTunes |url=https://www.lifewire.com/up-next-feature-in-itunes-4103858 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111161621/https://www.lifewire.com/up-next-feature-in-itunes-4103858 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Lifewire |publisher=Dotdash}}

Introduced in iTunes 8 in 2008, "{{visible anchor|Genius}}" can automatically generate a playlist of songs from the user's library that "go great together".{{Cite web |last=Chartier |first=David |date=September 9, 2008 |title=Apple rocks out, announces new iPods, iTunes 8 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/09/apple-announces-new-products-at-lets-rock-event/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014200/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/09/apple-announces-new-products-at-lets-rock-event/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast}} "Genius" transmits information about the user's library to Apple anonymously, and evolves over time to enhance its recommendation system. It can also suggest purchases to fill out "holes" in the library.{{Cite journal |last=Dumas |first=Daniel |date=September 9, 2008 |title=Let's rock: Apple unveils new iPod, Genius playlists, HDTV, NBC |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/09/apple-event-let/ |url-status=live |journal=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111161624/https://www.wired.com/2008/09/apple-event-let/ |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2017}} The feature was updated with iTunes 9 in 2009 to offer "Genius Mixes", which generated playlists based on specific music genres.{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Tim |date=September 9, 2009 |title=Tip: Update Genius in iTunes 9 to Access Genius Mixes |url=https://www.cultofmac.com/16094/update-genius-in-itunes-9-to-access-genius-mixes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201445/https://www.cultofmac.com/16094/update-genius-in-itunes-9-to-access-genius-mixes/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Cult of Mac}}{{Cite web |last=Sande |first=Steven |date=September 11, 2009 |title=iTunes 9 Genius Mixes: You don't need to be a genius to create 'em |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/itunes-9-genius-mixes-you-dont-need-to-be-a-genius-to-create/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014230/https://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/itunes-9-genius-mixes-you-dont-need-to-be-a-genius-to-create/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Engadget |publisher=Oath Inc.}}

"Smart playlists" are a set of playlists that can be set to automatically filter the library based on a customized list of selection criteria, much like a database query. Multiple criteria can be entered to manage the smart playlist.{{Cite journal |last=Gardiner |first=Bryan |date=September 3, 2013 |title=Use Smart playlists to keep your iPhone filled with your newest music |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/09/itunes-smart-playlist/ |url-status=live |journal=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226111628/https://www.wired.com/2013/09/itunes-smart-playlist/ |archive-date=December 26, 2016 |access-date=December 16, 2017}} Selection criteria examples include a genre like Christmas music, songs that have not been played recently, or songs the user has listened to the most in a time period.{{Cite web |last=Trapani |first=Gina |date=February 13, 2008 |title=Top 10 iTunes Smart Playlists |url=https://lifehacker.com/355743/top-10-itunes-smart-playlists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111161622/https://lifehacker.com/top-10-itunes-smart-playlists-355743 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Lifehacker |publisher=Univision Communications}}

Through a "Home Sharing" feature, users can share their iTunes library wirelessly.{{Cite web |last=Rawlinson |first=Nik |date=June 13, 2012 |title=How to share your iTunes music library on a home network |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-share-your-itunes-music-library-on-a-home-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201404/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-share-your-itunes-music-library-on-a-home-network/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive}} Computer firewalls must allow network traffic, and users must specifically enable sharing in the iTunes preferences menu. iOS applications also exist that can transfer content without Internet.{{Cite web |last=Prindle |first=Drew |date=April 4, 2013 |title=How to share your iTunes library |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-share-your-itunes-library/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201257/https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-share-your-itunes-library/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Digital Trends}} Additionally, users can set up a network-attached storage system, and connect to that storage system through an app.{{Cite web |last=Whitney |first=Lance |date=February 16, 2017 |title=How to Share Your iTunes Library Among Multiple Devices |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/music-products/87884/news/how-to-share-your-itunes-library-among-multiple-devices |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201211/http://uk.pcmag.com/music-products/87884/news/how-to-share-your-itunes-library-among-multiple-devices |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis}}

iTunes includes sound processing features, such as equalization, "sound enhancement" and crossfade. There is also a feature called {{visible anchor|Sound Check}}, which normalizes the playback volume of all songs in the library to the same level.{{Cite web |last=Kessler |first=Topher |date=December 4, 2012 |title=How to improve sound quality in iTunes |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-improve-sound-quality-in-itunes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201450/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-improve-sound-quality-in-itunes/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive}}{{Cite web |last=McElhearn |first=Kirk |date=June 6, 2016 |title=How to tweak your sound in iTunes and on iOS devices |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/3074418/streaming-media/how-to-tweak-your-sound-in-itunes-and-on-ios-devices.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014238/https://www.macworld.com/article/3074418/streaming-media/how-to-tweak-your-sound-in-itunes-and-on-ios-devices.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}}

{{Main|iTunes Store}}

Introduced on April 28, 2003, The iTunes Music Store allows users to buy and download songs, with 200,000 tracks available at launch. In its first week, customers bought more than one million songs.{{Cite journal |last=Chen |first=Brian X. |date=April 28, 2010 |title=April 28, 2003: Apple opens iTunes Store |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/04/0428itunes-music-store-opens/ |url-status=live |journal=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129233340/https://www.wired.com/2010/04/0428itunes-music-store-opens/ |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=December 16, 2017}} Music purchased was protected by FairPlay, an encryption layer referred to as digital rights management (DRM).{{Cite web |last=Dilger |first=Daniel Eran |date=February 26, 2007 |title=How FairPlay Works: Apple's iTunes DRM Dilemma |url=http://www.roughlydrafted.com/RD/RDM.Tech.Q1.07/2A351C60-A4E5-4764-A083-FF8610E66A46.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927030905/http://www.roughlydrafted.com/RD/RDM.Tech.Q1.07/2A351C60-A4E5-4764-A083-FF8610E66A46.html |archive-date=September 27, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=RoughlyDrafted}} The use of DRM, which limited devices capable of playing purchased files,{{Cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Dave |date=September 2, 2015 |title=How iTunes Movie DRM-Removal Software Keeps Me Honest |url=https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/itunes-drm-removal-keeps-me-legal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206005923/https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/itunes-drm-removal-keeps-me-legal |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Mac Observer}} sparked efforts to remove the protection mechanism.{{Cite web |last=Tanous |first=Jim |date=September 2, 2015 |title=The iTunes DRM Removal Saga: NoteBurner and a Look Back at Requiem |url=https://www.tekrevue.com/itunes-drm-removal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220140209/https://www.tekrevue.com/itunes-drm-removal/ |archive-date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=TekRevue}} Eventually, after an open letter to the music industry by CEO Steve Jobs in February 2007,{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Arnold |date=February 6, 2007 |title=Steve Jobs 'Thoughts on Music' – Asks for No Digital Rights Management |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2007/02/06/steve-jobs-thoughts-on-music/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201444/https://www.macrumors.com/2007/02/06/steve-jobs-thoughts-on-music/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=MacRumors}} Apple introduced a selection of DRM-free music in the iTunes Store in April 2007,{{Cite web |last=Arrington |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Arrington |date=April 2, 2007 |title=EMI, Apple To Sell DRM-Free Music for $1.29/song |url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/04/02/emi-apple-are-announcing-sale-of-non-drm-music/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201437/https://techcrunch.com/2007/04/02/emi-apple-are-announcing-sale-of-non-drm-music/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=TechCrunch |publisher=Oath Inc.}} followed by its entire music catalog without DRM in January 2009.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Bobbie |date=January 6, 2009 |title=Apple drops DRM copy protection from millions of iTunes songs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/jan/06/apple-drops-itunes-copy-protection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204034137/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/jan/06/apple-drops-itunes-copy-protection |archive-date=February 4, 2014 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Guardian}}

In June 2011, Apple announced "iTunes in the Cloud", in which music purchases were stored on Apple's servers and made available for automatic downloading on new devices. For music the user owns, such as content ripped from CDs, the company introduced "iTunes Match", a feature that can upload content to Apple's servers, match it to its catalog, change the quality to 256 kbit/s AAC format, and make it available to other devices.{{Cite web |last=Ziegler |first=Chris |date=June 6, 2011 |title=iTunes in the Cloud beta available today, iTunes Match lets you 'upload' the tracks you already own for $24.99 a year |url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/06/06/itunes-cloud-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045434/https://www.theverge.com/2011/06/06/itunes-cloud-announced/ |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Courtney Boyd |date=June 6, 2011 |title=iTunes Match: Apple announces its cloud based music service |url=https://thenextweb.com/wwdc/2011/06/06/apple-announces-itunes-in-the-cloud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201303/https://thenextweb.com/wwdc/2011/06/06/apple-announces-itunes-in-the-cloud/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Next Web}}

{{Main|iTunes Radio|Apple Music}}

When iTunes was first released, it came with support for the Kerbango Internet radio tuner service.{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Tyler |date=September 18, 2013 |title=Why Apple's iTunes Is Still Fundamentally Flawed, Even In iOS 7 |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3017628/why-apples-itunes-is-still-fundamentally-flawed-even-in-ios-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201615/https://www.fastcompany.com/3017628/why-apples-itunes-is-still-fundamentally-flawed-even-in-ios-7 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Fast Company |publisher=Mansueto Ventures}} In June 2013, the company announced iTunes Radio, a free music streaming service.{{Cite web |last=Gross |first=Doug |date=June 11, 2013 |title=Apple arrives (late?) to music streaming with iTunes Radio |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/10/tech/web/itunes-radio-apple-wwdc/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201413/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/10/tech/web/itunes-radio-apple-wwdc/index.html |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=CNN |publisher=Turner Broadcasting System}} In June 2015, Apple announced Apple Music, a subscription-based music streaming service, and subsequently integrated iTunes Radio functionality. Music tracks provided by Apple Music via iTunes are available at up to 256 kbit/s AAC fidelity. The Apple Music app also integrates Apple Music 1, a live music radio station.{{Cite web |last1=Popper |first1=Ben |last2=Singleton |first2=Micah |date=June 8, 2015 |title=Apple announces its streaming music service, Apple Music |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/8/8729481/apple-music-streaming-service-wwdc-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330163713/https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/8/8729481/apple-music-streaming-service-wwdc-15 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}

As of 2024, Apple is phasing out iTunes in favour of three dedicated apps, Music, Podcasts, and TV, but the iTunes Store will still remain.{{cite web | url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/apple-is-finally-getting-rid-of-the-last-vestige-of-itunes/ | title=Apple is Getting Closer to Phasing Out iTunes Completely | date=December 11, 2023 }}

In May 2005, video support was introduced to iTunes with the release of iTunes 4.8,{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2005 |title=iTunes 4.8 adds video support, Yorkdale store photos, more |url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/05/05/09/itunes_48_adds_video_support_yorkdale_store_photos_more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201433/http://appleinsider.com/articles/05/05/09/itunes_48_adds_video_support_yorkdale_store_photos_more |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=AppleInsider}}{{Cite web |title=Apple releases iTunes 4.8 |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/175588/itunes-42.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=Macworld |language=en |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123124751/https://www.macworld.com/article/175588/itunes-42.html |url-status=live }} though it was limited to bonus features part of album purchases.{{Cite web |last=Dormehl |first=Luke |date=May 9, 2017 |title=Today in Apple history: iTunes experiments with video downloads |url=https://www.cultofmac.com/480263/today-apple-history-itunes-experiments-video-downloads/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201624/https://www.cultofmac.com/480263/today-apple-history-itunes-experiments-video-downloads/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Cult of Mac}} The following October, Apple introduced iTunes 6, enabling support for purchasing and viewing video content purchased from the iTunes Store. At launch, the store offered popular shows from the ABC network, including Desperate Housewives and Lost, along with Disney Channel series That's So Raven and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. CEO Steve Jobs told the press that "We're doing for video what we've done for music — we're making it easy and affordable to purchase and download, play on your computer, and take with you on your iPod."{{Cite web |last=Honan |first=Mathew |date=October 12, 2005 |title=Apple Releases iTunes 6 |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1047429/itunes6.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014257/https://www.macworld.com/article/1047429/itunes6.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}}

In 2008, Apple and select film studios introduced "iTunes Digital Copy", a feature on select DVDs and Blu-ray discs allowing a digital copy in iTunes and associated media players.{{Cite web |last=Frakes |first=Dan |date=January 22, 2008 |title=First Look: iTunes Digital Copy |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1131751/digitalcopy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014138/https://www.macworld.com/article/1131751/digitalcopy.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}}{{Cite web |date=March 10, 2008 |title=Lionsgate joins Apple's Digital Copy for iTunes program |url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/08/03/10/lionsgate_joins_apples_digital_copy_for_itunes_program.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201259/http://appleinsider.com/articles/08/03/10/lionsgate_joins_apples_digital_copy_for_itunes_program.html |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=AppleInsider}}{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Neil |date=September 22, 2017 |title=iTunes Digital Copy redemptions from non-4K Blu-rays appear to support 4K streaming on new Apple TV |url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/09/22/itunes-digital-copy-redemptions-from-non-4k-blu-rays-appear-to-support-4k-streaming-on-new-apple-tv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201406/http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/09/22/itunes-digital-copy-redemptions-from-non-4k-blu-rays-appear-to-support-4k-streaming-on-new-apple-tv |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=AppleInsider}}

{{Main|Apple Podcasts}}

File:Podcasts (iOS).svg

In June 2005, Apple updated iTunes with support for podcasts.{{Cite web |last=Naughton |first=Pete |date=June 14, 2015 |title=The 10 best ever podcasts |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11668186/The-10-best-ever-podcasts.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11668186/The-10-best-ever-podcasts.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web |last=Farivar |first=Cyrus |date=June 28, 2005 |title=iTunes 4.9 First Look: Apple takes on Podcasting |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1045522/podcastingfirstlook.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014241/https://www.macworld.com/article/1045522/podcastingfirstlook.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} Users can subscribe to podcasts, change update frequency, define how many episodes to download and how many to delete.

Similar to songs, "Smart playlists" can be used to control podcasts in a playlist, setting criteria such as date and number of times listened to.{{Cite web |last=Schramm |first=Mike |date=February 1, 2008 |title=How to: Create a smart podcast playlist in iTunes |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/02/01/how-to-create-a-smart-podcast-playlist-in-itunes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014202/https://www.engadget.com/2008/02/01/how-to-create-a-smart-podcast-playlist-in-itunes/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Engadget |publisher=Oath Inc.}}

Apple is credited for being the major catalyst behind the early growth of podcasting.{{Cite news |title=Podcasting is Going Mainstream |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2019/11/18/podcasting-is-going-mainstream/#5f92fb891699 |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523171408/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2019/11/18/podcasting-is-going-mainstream/#5f92fb891699 |archive-date=May 23, 2020}}

{{Main|App Store (iOS/iPadOS)}}

On July 10, 2008, Apple introduced native mobile apps for its iOS operating system. On iOS, a dedicated App Store application served as the storefront for browsing, downloading, updating, and otherwise managing applications, whereas iTunes on computers had a dedicated section for apps rather than a separate app.{{Cite web |last=Friedman |first=Lex |date=July 8, 2013 |title=The App Store turns five: A look back and forward |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/2043841/the-app-store-turns-five-a-look-back-and-forward.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014248/https://www.macworld.com/article/2043841/the-app-store-turns-five-a-look-back-and-forward.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}} In September 2017, Apple updated iTunes to version 12.7, removing the App Store section in the process.{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=September 12, 2017 |title=Apple starts cutting the bloat from iTunes by removing iOS App Store |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16298988/apple-itunes-desktop-update-removes-app-store |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213043031/https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16298988/apple-itunes-desktop-update-removes-app-store |archive-date=December 13, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jake |date=September 13, 2017 |title=Apple's iTunes removes iOS App Store from desktop version |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-removes-ios-app-store-from-desktop-versions-of-itunes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214184718/http://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-removes-ios-app-store-from-desktop-versions-of-itunes/ |archive-date=December 14, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive}} iTunes 12.6.3 was released the following month, retaining App Store functionality, with 9to5Mac noting that the secondary release was positioned by Apple as "necessary for some businesses performing internal app deployments".{{Cite web |last=Mayo |first=Benjamin |date=October 9, 2017 |title=Apple still offers an iTunes version with App Store, Ringtones and other features removed in 'focused' iTunes 12.7 |url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/10/09/apple-itunes-apps-focused-removed-stopgap/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217013938/https://9to5mac.com/2017/10/09/apple-itunes-apps-focused-removed-stopgap/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=9to5Mac}}{{Cite web |last=Hardwick |first=Tim |date=October 9, 2017 |title=Apple Quietly Releases iTunes 12.6.3 With Built-In App Store |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/10/09/apple-itunes-with-app-store-included/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201402/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/10/09/apple-itunes-with-app-store-included/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=MacRumors}}

In May 2007, Apple announced the launch of "iTunes U" via the iTunes Store, which delivers university lectures from top U.S. colleges.{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Peter |date=May 30, 2007 |title=iTunes U comes to the iTunes Store |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1058118/itunesu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014203/https://www.macworld.com/article/1058118/itunesu.html |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Macworld |publisher=International Data Group}}{{Cite web |last=McNulty |first=Scott |date=May 30, 2007 |title=iTunes U comes to the iTunes Store |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/itunes-u-comes-to-the-itunes-store/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217015714/https://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/itunes-u-comes-to-the-itunes-store/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Engadget |publisher=Oath Inc.}} With iTunes version 12.7 in August 2017, iTunes U collections became a part of the Podcasts app.{{Cite web |last=Hardwick |first=Tim |date=August 21, 2017 |title=iTunes U Collections Will Move to Apple Podcasts From September |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/21/itunes-u-collections-to-apple-podcasts-september/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201321/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/21/itunes-u-collections-to-apple-podcasts-september/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=MacRumors}} On June 10, 2020, Apple formally announced that iTunes U would be discontinued at the end of 2021.{{Cite web |title=iTunes U – June 2020 Update |url=https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/itunesu/welcome/web |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024190914/https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/itunesu/welcome/web |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=August 8, 2020 |website=Apple Support |language=en}}

iTunes was required to activate early iPhone and iPad devices. Beginning with the iPhone 3G in June 2008, activation did not require iTunes, making use of activation at point of sale.{{Cite web |last=Geller |first=Jonathan |date=June 9, 2008 |title=iPhone 3G: the details you never wanted to know |url=http://bgr.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-the-details-you-never-wanted-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719025838/http://bgr.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-the-details-you-never-wanted-to-know/ |archive-date=July 19, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=BGR |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}} Later iPhone models are able to be activated and set-up on their own, without requiring the use of iTunes.

iTunes also allows users to backup and restore the content of their Apple mobile devices, such as music, photos, videos, ringtones and device settings,{{Cite web |last=Krasnoff |first=Barbara |date=September 15, 2021 |title=How to back up your iPhone with or without iCloud |url=https://www.theverge.com/22673693/iphone-apple-backup-ios-icloud |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525175643/https://www.theverge.com/22673693/iphone-apple-backup-ios-icloud |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=The Verge |language=en}} and restore the firmware of their devices. However, as of iTunes 12.7, apps can no longer be purchased and installed using iTunes.

{{Main|iTunes Ping}}

With the release of iTunes 10 in September 2010, Apple announced iTunes Ping, which CEO Steve Jobs described as "social music discovery". It had features reminiscent of Facebook, including profiles and the ability to follow other users.{{Cite magazine |last=Albanesius |first=Chloe |date=September 1, 2010 |title=Apple Goes Social with 'Ping' Inside iTunes 10 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2368579,00.asp |url-status=live |magazine=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014025/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2368579,00.asp |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017}} Ping was discontinued in September 2012.{{Cite magazine |last=Moscaritolo |first=Angela |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Apple Shutting Down iTunes Ping on Sept. 30 |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/music-products/60441/news/apple-shutting-down-itunes-ping-on-sept-30 |url-status=live |magazine=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216202657/http://uk.pcmag.com/music-products/60441/news/apple-shutting-down-itunes-ping-on-sept-30 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017}}

The Telegraph reported in November 2011 that Apple had been aware of a security vulnerability since 2008 that would let unauthorized third parties install "updates" to users' iTunes software. Apple fixed the issue before the Telegraph{{'}}s report and told the media that "The security and privacy of our users is extremely important", though this was questioned by security researcher Brian Krebs, who told the publication that "A prominent security researcher warned Apple about this dangerous vulnerability in mid-2008, yet the company waited more than 1,200 days to fix the flaw."{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Christopher |date=November 24, 2011 |title=Apple iTunes flaw 'allowed government spying for 3 years' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/8912714/Apple-iTunes-flaw-allowed-government-spying-for-3-years.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/8912714/Apple-iTunes-flaw-allowed-government-spying-for-3-years.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}

iTunes has been repeatedly accused of being bloated as part of Apple's efforts to turn it from a music player to an all-encompassing multimedia platform.{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Amy |date=April 28, 2016 |title=iTunes is 13 years old—and it's still awful |url=https://qz.com/666078/itunes-is-13-years-old-today-and-its-still-awful/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201354/https://qz.com/666078/itunes-is-13-years-old-today-and-its-still-awful/ |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Quartz |publisher=Atlantic Media}}{{Cite web |last=Lovejoy |first=Ben |date=July 28, 2015 |title=Opinion: iTunes is now so clunky the only safe solution is to nuke it from orbit |url=https://9to5mac.com/2015/07/28/opinion-itunes-nuke-from-orbit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014145/https://9to5mac.com/2015/07/28/opinion-itunes-nuke-from-orbit/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=9to5Mac}}{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Robinson |date=July 29, 2015 |title=iTunes Really Is That Bad |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/07/why-is-itunes-so-bad/399833/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217013950/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/07/why-is-itunes-so-bad/399833/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=The Atlantic |publisher=Emerson Collective}}{{Cite web |last=Gilbertson |first=Scott |date=November 5, 2008 |title=The top ten reasons iTunes sucks |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/11/the_top_ten_reasons_itunes_sucks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014056/https://www.wired.com/2008/11/the_top_ten_reasons_itunes_sucks/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast}} Former PC World editor Ed Bott accused the company of hypocrisy in its advertising attacks on Windows for similar practices.{{Cite web |last=Bott |first=Ed |date=October 3, 2008 |title=Slimming down the bloated iTunes installer |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/slimming-down-the-bloated-itunes-installer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108102507/http://www.zdnet.com/article/slimming-down-the-bloated-itunes-installer/ |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive}}

• Apple Music
• Apple Music Festival
• AirPlay
• Digital distribution
• List of audio conversion software
• Comparison of audio player software
• Music visualization

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