With the launch of Apple’s new Catalina OS, the classic iTunes app is no more. After nearly two decades of operation, iTunes has been done away with to present a more streamlined and modern setup. This comes hot on the heels of the announcement of the company’s new TV+ subscription service and a host of new and modernized features.
However, for DJs, this development presents significant problems. According to Mixmag’s Devyn White, “Apple Music fails to incorporate XML file support, an organizational component, which originally made it simple for DJs to transfer data from iTunes to applications such as Rekordbox and Traktor.” In other words, it becomes much harder for tracks to stay organized when switched from Music to outside apps. For any canny DJ or producer, staying on top of supportive platforms is a must.
Change is a constant in the industry and Apple’s programs are no exception. In the meantime, developers are working on patches to bridge the gap and advise not to update until said patches are complete.
Apple has reassured users of iTunes for Windows that their libraries and purchases will be safe, and that their particular version of iTunes will not be affected by the update, even confirming to Pitchfork magazine that “Windows users will see no changes in their experience.”
As for non-DJs using Apple OS, all syncing and will now be done through the Finder app. However, the company has not confirmed if older Mac models will work with the new update.
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