Apple quietly released a killer update to iTunes
Apple is finally taking action to trim that mammoth piece of software that iTunes has become over the years, pivoting it back to its original mission: an app for music.
With the iTunes version 12.7 for both Windows and macOS, quietly released during the keynote event in Cupertino, you no longer have access to the App Store on desktop as the focus is now on "music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks."
That means iTunes no longer contains any options for syncing apps or ringtones to your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
“If you previously used iTunes to sync apps or ringtones on your iOS devices, use the new App Store or Sounds Settings on iOS to redownload them without your Mac,” the company says in its update.
If you have an iOS app, ringtone or book that are no longer available for redownload, "you can move that content to your iOS device while plugged in to a computer with a USB cable," Apple says.
As you can see from this screenshot, the duplicate of the iOS App Store that was a tab in iTunes has disappeared:
Before...
...and now:
To be honest, we will not miss it. It was a redundant, inefficient feature that added confusion to an already bloated piece of software. People will also be more likely to use the redesigned App Store coming in iOS 11. And a lighter iTunes desktop app could make it easier for Apple to bring it in the Windows Store, as announced.
In the name of simplification and clarity, Apple has also moved the iTunes U content in the Podcast section and the Internet Radio stations in your music library's sidebar.
Also, redownloading ringtones can now be handled on-device, with iOS 11.
