Apple Phases Out iTunes TV and Movies Apps in tvOS 26.4 Beta
In a significant move towards streamlining its digital media services, Apple has removed the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps in the latest tvOS 26.4 developer beta. This change directs users to the Apple TV app for all media purchases and playback, marking a pivotal shift in Apple’s content delivery strategy.
A Gradual Transition
Apple’s journey to consolidate its media platforms has been ongoing for several years. The iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps have been integral to Apple’s ecosystem, allowing users to purchase and view a vast array of content. However, with the introduction and evolution of the Apple TV app, Apple has been encouraging users to transition to this unified platform. The removal of these standalone apps in the tvOS 26.4 beta is a decisive step in this direction.
Implications for Users
For users, this change means that all media purchases and viewing will now occur exclusively through the Apple TV app. Previous purchases remain accessible within this app, ensuring that users retain their existing libraries without disruption. This consolidation aims to provide a more cohesive and streamlined user experience, reducing the need to navigate multiple apps for different types of content.
Historical Context
This move is part of a broader trend by Apple to simplify its media services. In 2023, Apple updated the iTunes Store app on iOS and iPadOS, redirecting the Movies and TV Shows sections to the Apple TV app. At that time, the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps on tvOS also began prompting users to use the TV app instead. While it was anticipated that these apps would be phased out by December 2023, Apple extended the transition period, allowing users more time to adapt to the new system.
Enhancements in tvOS 26.4
Beyond the removal of the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps, the tvOS 26.4 update introduces several notable features:
– Spatial Audio Integration: The update replaces the Dolby Atmos immersive audio setting with Spatial Audio, offering a more dynamic and immersive sound experience for users.
– Continuous Audio Connection for HDMI: A new option for HDMI connections ensures uninterrupted audio playback, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Addressing User Concerns
While the consolidation of media services is aimed at improving user experience, some users have expressed concerns, particularly those with extensive media libraries. In the past, users with large collections have reported long load times and performance issues within the Apple TV app. For instance, in 2023, users with extensive libraries experienced delays of up to 40 seconds when accessing their content. Apple has acknowledged these concerns and is expected to implement optimizations to address performance issues in future updates.
Looking Ahead
The removal of the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps signifies Apple’s commitment to evolving its media services to meet modern user expectations. By centralizing content within the Apple TV app, Apple aims to offer a more intuitive and efficient platform for media consumption. Users are encouraged to explore the Apple TV app’s features and provide feedback to help shape its future development.
