Apple's efforts to restructure its business include not only an increased focus on software and investment in more affordable hardware, but also streamlining its product offering. And according to a recent report, this could involve phasing out iTunes, as the company has already reached out to various publishers to inform them of the upcoming changes planned for the music service.
An email titled “The End of iTunes LPS” and signed by the “Apple Music Team” was obtained by British newspaper Metro, which writes that there is a good chance that Apple is moving towards a subscription model, planning to stop selling music downloads altogether.
The iTunes LP format is used by Apple to allow iTunes publishers to include a lot of extras with their content, such as interactive graphics. It has been used since 2009 and will be discontinued next year, if the email mentioned is genuine.
“Apple will no longer accept new iTunes LP submissions after March 2018,” the email states. “Existing LPs will be removed from the store for the remainder of 2018. Customers who previously purchased an album containing an iTunes LP will still be able to download the additional content using iTunes Match.”
While this isn't the first time Apple is believed to be planning the demise of its music download service, the company is sending out emails to publishers to inform them of the imminent demise of iTunes LPs.
The iTunes shutdown, however, won't happen overnight. While it goes without saying that content that has already been purchased won't be lost, existing customers will have options available to them when the time comes, especially since Apple needs to retain its userbase if it truly transitions to a new business model.
Analysts estimate that Apple Music could become the top music streaming service in the United States as soon as this year if it manages to overtake Spotify.
