Apple plans to completely abandon the download in iTunes in the next two years, on change which will come streaming Apple Music service. It is reported by Digital Music News, citing informed sources.
“Apple is preparing to completely withdraw the offer of music downloads from the iTunes Store. In the company plans to close this direction for two years. As sources told Digital Music News, the question is not whether it will happen or not, and when it will happen”, – specifies the edition.
According to information close to Apple sources, the company prepared a few charts the gradual shutdowns of downloads in the regional offices of the iTunes store. The overall goal remains unchanged — “download music to iTunes sooner or later must cease.” Also consider the possibility of eliminating music downloads over 3-4 years.
“If jobs was alive, he would have killed him [approx. iTunes],” said one of the sources.
Users buy less music on iTunes as switching to streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. Last year sale in the online store fell 16%, and this year is expected to decrease the download by 25-30%.
“In the near future the popularity of streaming services will completely overshadow the online music sales. First in the queue on a trip are the USA, UK and Europe”, – said the publication.
According to some estimates, recorded in 2012 revenues, $3.9 billion in 2019 will be reduced to $600 million. meanwhile in a press-service Apple claim that the calculation is incorrect, and the information about closing iTunes is not true.
