Tech

Apple to reportedly shut down iTunes music downloads

Published

6 years ago

March 27, 2018

While the move has been rumored for years, it looks like Apple may finally stop offering music downloads in its iTunes Store at some point in the very near future. Apple Music executive Jimmy Iovine has seemingly confirmed the coming “phase out” of downloads in a new interview with the BBC.

“The streaming services are all charging $9.99 and everyone has the same music,” Iovine says, surveying the current dominance of streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify and others over the option to purchase full album or song downloads. “Sooner or later, something's got to give.”

Digital Music News cites whispers of an iTunes downloads shutdown going all the way back to 2016, although Apple denied those reports at the time. By last December, however, a plan was apparently in place at the company to “completely terminate iTunes music download sales by early 2019.”

Reportedly, the shutdown would put the nix on any new downloads—but users' previously purchased iTunes music would still be available to them. (So, yes, all those purchased AAC files from the early 2000s, as well as imported MP3s into iTunes, should all still work for the foreseeable future.)

Iovine apparently thinks the phase out of iTunes Store music downloads is inevitable, saying Apple will eventually stop offering downloads “when people stop buying. It's very simple.” The Apple Music head, however, seems to deny the stated reports of a concrete timetable for the shutdown plan.

It's amazing to think that the iTunes Store first launched way back in April 2003, isn't it? That was nearly 15 years ago—and iTunes has gone on to sell over 35 billion songs worldwide. Well, buy your iTunes downloads now, because they apparently won't be around for much longer.

Do you still buy music downloads on Apple's iTunes Store? Are you comfortable living an all-streaming existence for your digital music needs? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think about Apple's reported plan to eventually end the sale of iTunes music downloads.

Related Topics:apple Downloads Interview iOS itunes

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Verizon unlimited subscribers get permanent Apple Music access

Published

5 years ago

January 16, 2019

Montez French

Last year, Verizon (which owns Engadget’s parent company) offeredunlimited subscribers six months of free access to Apple Music. Now the carrier is expanding that partnership and officially bundling Beyond Unlimited and Above Unlimited subscriptions with the service. Starting on January 17th, all new and existing customers will be able to enjoy Apple Music at no additional cost. So, those who took advantage of the offer last year will be able to continue accessing the streaming service without having to pay its $10-a-month fee.

According to Verizon VP of Marketing Angie Klein, the company is expanding its partnership with Apple Music, because the original 6-month offer was a hit with customers. Unfortunately, only two out of three unlimited plans are getting Apple Music as a permanent perk. Its cheapest option, Go Unlimited, will still come bundled with free access to the service, but only for six months.

Style

Facebook Launches ‘Watch Parties’ to Binge Videos With Your Friends

Published

6 years ago

July 26, 2018

Montez French

Facebook is throwing a video party. Starting today. For everyone.

The social network is launching a new way to have groups of people who may be scattered across the country of globe watch videos together in real time, and comment on them. Unlike many Facebook launches, this will be available to all members today, as long as they are part of a group. It will roll out to other parts of Facebook within a few weeks, the company says.

Viewing video together is something “people do in real life,” says Fidji Simo, Facebook’s vice president of product. “They watch together. We see this as another way to connect people.”

Any kind of videos on Facebook can be viewed–from live broadcasts to funny viral cat videos, says Simo.

Business

Netflix Planning Ultra Subscription Price Increase

Published

6 years ago

July 9, 2018

HM staff writer

With Netflix planning to spend $8 billion on original content for 700 shows and movies, the streaming giant is looking to expand its current subscription plans. Netflix is reportedly planning a new Ultra tier, which would end up increasing the current $13.99 premium option to $16.99.

Under the new plan, Premium users would still keep Ultra High-Definition streaming and up to 4 users streaming at once; but would lose HDR content to Ultra plans. It’s unclear when this plan will be available to the masses, but Netflix is currently testing it out in several international countries.