Apple continues to maintain legacy support for iTunes on older macOS and Windows systems, even as the company transitions users toward standalone media and device management applications.

Key Points

• Apple officially replaced iTunes with standalone apps like Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV starting with macOS Catalina in 2019.
• Windows users transitioned to a multi-app ecosystem in 2024, requiring separate tools like Apple Music, Apple TV, and the Apple Devices app.
• The iTunes Store and iTunes Match remain accessible within the Apple Music app on modern macOS versions, including the upcoming macOS Golden Gate.
• iTunes remains necessary for managing podcasts and audiobooks on Windows systems that have not fully migrated to newer software.
• Third-party alternatives like TouchCopy, MediaMonkey, and Waveform Music Player offer consolidated management for users seeking to avoid Apple's fragmented app structure.

Why it Matters

The shift away from a centralized iTunes hub reflects Apple's broader strategic pivot toward subscription-based services and cloud-integrated media consumption. While this transition modernizes the user experience, it complicates device management for long-term users who must now navigate multiple applications to perform tasks previously handled by a single program.