First thing first, you’re not losing your music in the next version of macOS 10.15 Catalina when Apple removes iTunes from the Mac.
Many Mac users have been asking Apple to break up iTunes. What started out as a simple music player has grown over time to include playing movies, tv shows, podcasts, syncing your devices, and your place to buy media. Even Apple got in a joke about how bloated iTunes has become. At Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference last month, Craig Federighi, head of software at Apple, joked that Apple would be adding a calendar, a mail app, and even a dock to iTunes.
What really happened though, is that Apple broke iTunes up into three apps, each designed with a single focus in mind: Music, Podcast, and TV. Many pundits claimed that iTunes was dead. While I didn’t say that iTunes was dead, I did say that iTunes would be broken up a long time ago.
Since then, many people have been complaining to me that they don’t want to lose their music libraries and they don’t want to join Apple Music. So I wanted to take moment here and go through the new Music app to clear up some confusion. Your music isn’t going anywhere.
The iTunes Legacy
Even though iTunes is going away, the new Music app is based on iTunes. The Music app is really just iTunes with some features pulled out and a fresh coat of paint.
Apple is attempting to make the Music app a streamlined experience that runs quicker and smoother. What they don’t want to do is make you lose your music or refuse to upgrade. That would be a P.R. nightmare.
When you upgrade to macOS 10.15 Catalina and open the Music app for the first time it will take your existing iTunes library and move it to the new apps for you. I would highly recommend that you have a backup just
The Music Interface
Apple has simplified the interface in Music. There isn’t a dropdown menu at the top of the screen that allows you to select what you see. The tabs that ran across the top of the screen for you Apple Music users are gone as well.
Now that the Apps have been split up, you don’t need as many controls. The sidebar is back and that’s where you do all of your navigating. Getting around is actually easier now.
The sidebar hosts everything. If you are an Apple Music subscriber, you can check out your “For You” page or the Browser page from here. Just below the Apple Music content is your library. You select how you want to browse your content by artist, album, or songs. Then below that all your playlist.
All of these pages are basically just like they were in iTunes. If you used iTunes before, you’ll feel right at home here.
iTunes Store is missing
One thing you might notice missing at first is the iTunes store. If you still like to purchase your music instead of renting it from Apple, fear not though. Apple has hidden the music store to reduce the clutter because of all of the Apple Music subscribers.
To bring the store back, you’ll need to head into the preferences pane. Here you’ll find a
Wrap up
Hopefully, this has put some of your worries at ease. Once macOS 10.15 Catalina comes out, you won’t be losing your music, nor will you be forced to subscribe to Apple Music. Everything will be in place once you upgrade.
Do you have any other fears about upgrading your system come the spring? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll see how I can help when it comes time to upgrade.
If you use a Windows computer, none of this applies to you. iTunes for Windows will remain for now. If something changes, I’ll have an update about it!
And if you’d like the music you see in the screenshots, follow me on Apple Music @JSSmith83, on Twitter, and Instagram