Apple’s latest desktop operating system update, macOS Catalina, will mark the official end of Apple iTunes after nearly two decades.
According to Apple, along with Catalina’s removal of iTunes, users are also losing XML file support as all native music playback on Macs moves over to the official Music app, which has a new library format.
XML file support is a popular organizational feature for DJs who use it to sort tracks into playlists and utilize the “Share iTunes Library XML with other applications” option to seamlessly transmit data between apps.
Over the years Apple iTunes became the de facto way for lots of DJs to sort through their massive file libraries. This enabled them to quickly find tracks while performing.
Updating to Catalina will replace the app with Apple Music. This breaks communication between the app and many existing DJ software. If you’re reliant on XML files for DJing, you should avoid updating. Continue using your preferred software on macOS Mojave (until developers push out fixes). iTunes for Windows has not changed, so apps on Microsoft’s platform should function as normal.
macOS Catalina replaces iTunes with three individual apps: Apple TV, Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. Apple’s music solution is now based on Apple Music streaming, browsing your library, and finding, downloading or buying new music.
It will be interesting to how this will impact music streaming globally, but I don’t think it will have a major impact.
My two cents on Apple iTunes & Apple Music
To be honest, I don’t give two shits about what’s going on with Apple. I don’t own a Mac and this update doesn’t impact me at all. Spotify is just way cooler (in my humble opinion).
I did love using iTunes for DJing at one stage though, so here goes: Rest in Peace iTunes, it was fun while it lasted, but I prefer DJing with Virtual DJ nowadays.
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