Apple will reportedly split iTunes into several smaller apps in the next version of macOS, according to new leaks from developers with access to future releases.
With macOS 10.15 expected to be announced at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference in June, one developer, Steve Troughton-Smith, has discovered new evidence as to Apple’s iTunes breakup.
Taking to Twitter, Steve said: “I am now fairly confident based on evidence I don’t wish to make public at this point that Apple is planning new (likely UIKit) Music, Podcasts, perhaps even Books, apps for macOS, to join the new TV app. I expect the four to be the next wave of Marzipan apps. Grain of salt, etc.”
I am now fairly confident based on evidence I don't wish to make public at this point that Apple is planning new (likely UIKit) Music, Podcasts, perhaps even Books, apps for macOS, to join the new TV app. I expect the four to be the next wave of Marzipan apps. Grain of salt, etc
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) April 5, 2019
Separating iTunes into smaller applications has been a long-requested feature amongst Mac owners, with many arguing that iTunes is bloated and slow, resulting in poor user experience across every touchpoint.
Cutting the app into task-specific applications means you’d only need to open Apple Music when you wanted to listen to a new song, and only the Podcast apps when you’re listening to your favorite show when working.
Apple made a big change to its macOS development process last year, announcing a new project called Marzipan, that will bridge the gap between iOS and macOS and allow developers to create applications that will work on both platforms.
The company released Stocks, Home, Apple News, and Voice Memos last year to the Mac, but those applications were actually ports of iOS apps, rather than apps designed for the Mac.
Steve Troughton-Smith is an experienced and reputable developer and has previously released information about upcoming iOS and macOS releases, so his latest suggestion should be taken seriously.
With Apple set to release macOS later in the fall, and reveal the latest version and its name this June, we’re just a couple of months away from knowing whether he was true.
In the meantime, keep it AppleMagazine for the latest Apple news and rumors every day of the week.