With the launch of Apple Music in 2015 and the subsequent phase-out of the iTunes desktop application, many users have wondered if it’s still possible to download iTunes in 2023. The short answer is yes, you can still download and install iTunes on a Windows or Mac computer, but the process has changed compared to previous years.
The Phase Out of iTunes
Launched in 2001, iTunes was the premier place to buy, manage and play music on Apple devices for nearly two decades. However, with the rise of music streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify, the need for a desktop music app like iTunes diminished.
In 2019, Apple announced that iTunes would be replaced by three separate apps on Mac – Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. The new apps were included in macOS Catalina that year. This change marked the beginning of the end for iTunes as a one-stop media app on Macs.
On Windows, iTunes stopped receiving major updates around the same time. The last version for Windows was iTunes 12.12, released in early 2021. While still functional for syncing iPhones and buying music/movies in Windows 10 and 11, iTunes is now a legacy application without any new features or major improvements on the horizon.
Where to Download iTunes in 2023
While no longer actively developed, you can still download and install iTunes on Windows and Mac in 2023 through the following methods:
On Windows
There are a couple ways to download iTunes on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer:
- Get it directly from the Microsoft Store – Search for “iTunes” in the Microsoft Store app and you can download the latest 12.12 version. This is the easiest option.
- Download from Apple’s website – Go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210384 and scroll down to “Download iTunes 12.12 for Windows”. This lets you download the iTunesSetup.exe installer file directly.
- Use Apple Software Update – This utility is installed with other Apple apps like iCloud and Apple Mobile Device Support. It should provide an option to download the latest iTunes version.
In all cases, you are getting iTunes 12.12 which is the last build released for Windows. It retains all key features like syncing an iPhone, restoring backups, and shopping for music and movies. The interface and user experience is unchanged from previous iTunes versions.
On Mac
On a Mac with a version below macOS Catalina, you can download iTunes from the App Store just like any other application. Search for “iTunes” and get the newest version compatible with your OS.
For macOS Catalina and newer, iTunes no longer exists as a standalone app. However, you can still access your iTunes music library and purchases through the Apple Music app. Apple Music incorporates most of the key media features of iTunes but with a redesigned interface focused on music streaming.
If you rely on iTunes specific features like syncing with an older iPod, you may need to install iTunes 12.12 directly. This version is compatible with macOS Catalina and can be downloaded from Apple’s website here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210384
The Future of iTunes
While still functional in 2023, the age of iTunes is clearly winding down. The application received its last major update over 3 years ago. Going forward, Apple will continue promoting Apple Music and other media apps tailored to streaming rather than downloaded music/video libraries.
However, Apple has committed to supporting iTunes 12.12 on the latest versions of macOS and Windows for the foreseeable future. This means you can continue using iTunes to buy media, make backups, sync devices, and manage your existing music collection if desired. Any purchased or ripped music and movies will remain accessible in iTunes even as streaming gains prominence.
For most users, Apple Music and alternative apps like Spotify now provide the best music experience across devices. But holding on to iTunes still makes sense in some situations, like:
- You still prefer buying songs/albums and building a music library
- You own an older iOS device that requires iTunes to sync
- You have an extensive iTunes media library with ripped CDs, custom playlists etc.
- You need to back up or restore an iPhone/iPad and require the backup tools in iTunes
While iTunes’ days at the center of Apple’s media strategy are over, this one-time content juggernaut still has purpose. Download iTunes from the links above if it fits your use case.
Common iTunes Questions
Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions about iTunes in the post-download era:
Is iTunes available on Macs with M1/M2 chips?
Yes, iTunes 12.12 runs fine under Rosetta emulation on M1/M2 Macs. Get it from the Apple website.
Does iTunes still allow purchases on Windows?
Yes, you can buy music, movies, apps etc. on Windows 10/11 using the iTunes Store in iTunes 12.12.
Can I get iTunes on iPhone/iPad?
No. iTunes is only available for Mac and Windows computers. On iOS, use the Apple Music app instead.
What’s the best alternative to iTunes for managing music?
Apple Music or Spotify are the top options. Both allow streaming and music library management with playlists, downloads etc.
Can I import CDs to iTunes on Windows 10?
Yes, iTunes on Windows still supports ripping CDs and adding songs to your iTunes media library.
Does iTunes work with the latest iPhones?
Yes, iTunes 12.12 can sync music, make backups etc. with recent models like iPhone 14.
iTunes Download: Troubleshooting Tips
When looking to download and install iTunes in 2023, you may encounter problems like:
- Can’t find iTunes in Microsoft Store
- iTunes installation is stuck or hangs
- Error occurred during iTunes download
- “This app can’t run on your PC” error when trying to open iTunes
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common iTunes download and installation issues on Windows 10/11:
iTunes doesn’t show up in Microsoft Store search
- Open the Microsoft Store app and search for “iTunes”. If nothing appears, close and re-launch the Store app.
- Check for any available Windows updates and install them, then try searching again.
- You may need to update your Microsoft account details used in Store. Sign out and back in.
- As a last resort, reset the Microsoft Store app under Settings.
iTunes installation hangs or fails
- Temporarily disable antivirus software during iTunes installation.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB devices and peripherals during installation.
- Try installing again after restarting your computer.
- Download the iTunesSetup.exe file directly and run it as Administrator.
“This app can’t run on your PC” error
- Right-click iTunes exe > Properties > Unblock > Apply.
- Run iTunes as Administrator or in Windows 8/10/11 compatibility mode.
- Install latest Apple software updates and try again.
Reaching out to Apple Support is recommended if you still can’t install or open iTunes from Microsoft Store. You can contact them online or setup a call for iTunes download troubleshooting help.
Best Alternatives to iTunes in 2023
While you can still get iTunes in 2023, most users are better served with more modern media apps tailored for streaming music and cloud content. Here are the top alternatives to consider instead of iTunes:
| App | Platforms | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | Mac, iOS, Android, Web | Streaming library, radio, playlists, music downloads |
| Spotify | Mac, iOS, Android, Web | Streaming library, custom playlists, podcasts |
| YouTube Music | Mac, iOS, Android, Web | Streaming library, smart search, playlists |
| Amazon Music | Mac, iOS, Android, Web | Streaming library, offline playback, high quality audio |
Key things to look for in an iTunes alternative include:
- Streaming music library with millions of songs
- Ability to save music offline for playlists and listening without internet
- Radio stations, playlists, and music discovery features
- Podcast support with a large podcast library
- Device syncing and backups for your iPhone or Android phone
Apple Music has the most seamless iPhone integration just like iTunes. But services like Spotify work great for streaming across iOS, Android, and computers. Evaluate your usage needs and music library preferences to pick the best app to replace iTunes.
Conclusion
iTunes’ long run as Apple’s flagship music app is definitively over. But it can still be downloaded and used in limited capacities on the latest Windows and Mac versions. While Apple encourages moving to Apple Music or alternative apps, keeping iTunes meets certain user needs.
Downloading iTunes 12.12 from the Microsoft Store on Windows and the Apple support website on Mac takes a bit more work now. But the process is straightforward. The classic iTunes interface still works as expected for buying media, iPhone syncing, backups and central music management.
However, most users no longer require a robust local music library. Streaming services provide extensive music catalogs, listening across devices, and excellent music discovery. For new and casual listeners, Apple Music or Spotify are far better options than downloading and learning iTunes.
While still functional in 2023, iTunes represents the past of music apps. Going forward, Apple will direct consumers towards its streaming vision and iTunes alternatives like Apple Music. But the venerable application has a few good years left for dedicated fans of its music management style.
