Apple Streamlines Apple TV Experience by Removing iTunes Movies and TV Shows Apps in tvOS 26.4
In a significant update, Apple has released tvOS 26.4, marking the removal of the standalone iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps from Apple TV devices. This move consolidates all purchasing and viewing options into the Apple TV app, providing users with a unified platform for buying, watching, and managing their content.
Transition to a Unified Platform
The elimination of the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps signifies the culmination of a transition that began several years ago. By integrating these services into the Apple TV app, Apple aims to simplify the user experience, eliminating the need to navigate between multiple applications. Now, users can access their entire library, make new purchases, and enjoy their favorite content all within a single interface.
Impact on User Features
With this update, the traditional iTunes Wish List feature is also being phased out. Users are encouraged to migrate their saved titles to the Watchlist feature within the Apple TV app. This new system serves as a reminder for films and shows intended for future purchase, ensuring that previously bought content remains accessible without requiring any additional steps.
Developer Insights
Following the release of the first tvOS 26.4 beta, developer Aaron Perris confirmed that the standalone iTunes apps had been completely removed from Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K devices. This change reflects Apple’s commitment to streamlining its services and enhancing the user experience.
Evolution of Content Management
Apple’s decision to remove the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps is part of a broader strategy to integrate all content management into the Apple TV app. Previously, Apple had removed the TV Shows and Movies store sections from iPhone and iPad devices, briefly restoring wish list access after user feedback. Now, the company is finalizing this process by directing users to transfer their saved titles to the Watchlist feature within the Apple TV app. This consolidation allows for browsing, renting, and purchasing to occur within a single storefront, moving away from the older iTunes-based menus.
Audio Settings Enhancements
In addition to app consolidation, tvOS 26.4 introduces several updates to audio controls:
– Spatial Audio Labeling: The previous Dolby Atmos option is now labeled as Spatial Audio, providing clearer terminology for users.
– Dolby Digital 5.1 Conversion Toggle: Users can now toggle the conversion to Dolby Digital 5.1, offering more flexibility in audio output.
– Stereo Only Mode: A new mode allows users to restrict audio output to stereo only, catering to specific audio preferences.
– Automatic Audio Mode: This mode enables the system to automatically select the best audio output based on the connected equipment.
– Continuous Audio Connection Over HDMI: A new feature aims to reduce audio dropouts and HDMI re-sync events when switching between different audio formats.
User Guidance on Wish List Migration
As the iTunes Wish List feature is being discontinued, Apple has provided guidance for users to migrate their saved titles:
1. Check Your Email: Apple has sent emails to users with instructions and a PDF attachment listing their saved titles.
2. Download the PDF: Open the email and download the attached PDF, which contains direct links to each saved movie or TV show.
3. Add to Watchlist: Click on each link and tap the plus button to add the item to your Watchlist within the Apple TV app.
This manual process ensures that users retain their curated lists within the new system.
Historical Context
The removal of the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps is part of a broader trend that began with the announcement at WWDC 2019, where Apple confirmed the end of iTunes. The software was replaced by three distinct apps: Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV. This shift aimed to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience across Apple’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
The release of tvOS 26.4 represents a significant step in Apple’s ongoing efforts to simplify and enhance the user experience on Apple TV. By consolidating content management into the Apple TV app and updating audio settings, Apple continues to refine its services to meet the evolving needs of its users.
