With the introduction of Apple’s streaming services, it was only a matter of time before iTunes became obsolete. Apple has announced that its music library will be divided across three apps: Apple Music, Apple TV and Apple Podcasts. 

The three standalone apps are already available on iPhones and iPads, however, the change will take effect for everyone with the next version of macOS, called Catalina. Apple Music is said to be faster, more simplified and easier to use. The app will have 50 million songs and users will have access to all their music, whether the tracks were downloaded, purchased or ripped from CD. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to own your music, rest assured that you still can. Apple says the iTunes Music Store is still available. This means there’ll be a sidebar within the Music app, which will lead you to a place where you can part with your cash.

RIP iTunes

iTunes changed the way we chose, listened to and bought music. While it may not be missed by some users, it’s important to remember how revolutionary this application really was. When it debuted in 2001, it set the stage for the iPod, which relied on iTunes for transferring songs to the device. Within a week of the online iTunes Store opening for business in 2003, it sold 1 million songs, catalyzing the transition from CD sales to purchased downloads.

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/apple-kills-itunes/