In a significant move, Apple is gearing up to unveil a revamped version of its TV app later this year, according to a recent report from Bloomberg. This overhaul comes with a key change: Apple will phase out its dedicated “iTunes movies” and “iTunes TV shows” apps on Apple TV and plans to eliminate these options from the iTunes Store on iPhone and iPad.
As things stand today, Apple TV users can purchase or rent movies and TV shows through the standalone TV app or by using the separate “iTunes movies” and “iTunes TV shows” apps. Bloomberg’s report suggests that Apple aims to streamline this process by discontinuing the standalone iTunes apps later this year, encouraging users to consolidate their activities within the TV app itself.
On iPhone and iPad, users have the option to buy or rent TV shows and movies through the TV app or utilize dedicated “TV shows” and “movies” sections within the iTunes Store app. However, these options will also be phased out from the iTunes Store app later this year, according to Bloomberg’s sources.
Design Enhancements for Apple TV
Apple is not only focusing on streamlining its apps but also enhancing the user experience within the TV app. This includes introducing a new sidebar for more intuitive navigation. The redesigned Apple TV app will feature a left-hand side panel for seamlessly moving between video categories. This design approach is reminiscent of the user interface utilized by popular streaming services like Netflix. In addition to being available on Apple’s own set-top box, this revamped app will also extend to smart TVs produced by other manufacturers.
While these changes are aimed at consolidating Apple’s diverse video offerings into a single, user-friendly platform, there are still questions about whether the new sidebar and other design improvements will effectively address some of the criticisms directed at the TV app. In the past, the TV app has been criticized for a cluttered and complex interface with an abundance of features.
Release and Integration Plans
According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to release the updated TV app in December. This suggests that it will likely be part of the tvOS 17.2 update. The move to streamline its video-related apps and services aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of simplifying the user experience and making its ecosystem more cohesive.
This isn’t the first time Apple has made adjustments to its apps and services in this space. Earlier this year, Apple decided to discontinue the iTunes Movie Trailers app and website, instead choosing to integrate trailers directly into the TV app.
As Apple continues to evolve its approach to delivering content and enhancing user convenience, these latest changes indicate the company’s commitment to offering a seamless and integrated entertainment experience across its devices.
Apple’s decision to revamp the TV app and phase out dedicated iTunes movie and TV show apps underscores the tech giant’s dedication to simplifying the user experience and consolidating its video-related services. With a new sidebar for navigation and an eye on improving the cluttered TV app interface, Apple is poised to make accessing and enjoying content more straightforward for its users. This move aligns with the broader trend of tech companies streamlining their platforms and services to offer a more cohesive and user-friendly experience.
