Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Apple’s Windows apps split iTunes’ main jobs across three dedicated programs: Apple Music for music, Apple TV for video, and Apple Devices for managing an iPhone or iPad. The apps first appeared as previews in January 2023 and left preview on February 8, 2024. Apple still directs Windows users to them in 2026—but iTunes remains useful for podcasts, audiobooks, and PCs that cannot run the newer apps.
Which app should you use?
| What you want to do | Windows app |
|---|---|
| Stream Apple Music, manage a music library, or play iTunes Store music purchases | Apple Music |
| Watch Apple TV+, or play Apple movie and TV purchases or rentals | Apple TV |
| Back up, restore, update, or sync a connected iPhone or iPad | Apple Devices |
| Manage podcasts or audiobooks | iTunes |
So, do you still need iTunes? Usually not for music, video, or iPhone and iPad management—but yes if you use its Windows podcast or audiobook features, or if your PC does not meet the newer apps’ requirements. Apple’s current Windows app guidance explains which program handles each task.
What each Apple app does
Apple Music
Use Apple Music to access an Apple Music subscription, play and manage music in an iTunes library, and listen to music purchased from the iTunes Store. It is the music app, not the place to manage an iPhone backup, podcasts, audiobooks, or Apple video.
Recommended Free Tools
Apple TV
The Apple TV app provides access to Apple TV+ and to eligible movies and television shows you have bought or rented through Apple. Its catalogue and features vary by country or region, and what you can watch may depend on whether a title is part of Apple TV+, a separate purchase or rental, or an Apple TV Channel. Apple’s availability notes caution that regional offerings differ.
#1 Best Overall
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Apple Devices
Apple Devices is for a physical iPhone or iPad connected to your Windows PC. Apple documents support for manual software updates, backups, restores, device management, and media synchronization. Connect the device, unlock it, and approve its trust prompt if one appears. Apple Devices is not a general iCloud manager: for cloud features such as iCloud Photos, use iCloud for Windows. It provides Windows device-management functions; do not assume every detail matches Finder on a Mac.
What happened to iTunes?
Apple divided much of iTunes rather than ending it outright. Music moved to Apple Music, video to Apple TV, and connected-device management to Apple Devices. Podcasts and audiobooks remain iTunes jobs on Windows, according to Apple’s support page and iTunes for Windows guide.
The practical trade-off is specialization: the dedicated apps separate music, video, and device management, but some people will need to keep more than one app installed. If you rely on iTunes for podcasts or audiobooks, installing Apple Music does not move those tasks into Apple Music.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How the release unfolded
Apple’s three apps appeared in the Microsoft Store as previews for Windows Insider users in January 2023. They moved out of preview on February 8, 2024; contemporary coverage reported availability for Windows 10 and Windows 11 at that point (Thurrott). That launch-era report should not be treated as a guarantee that every current PC can install every app: requirements and Store eligibility can change. Check each live Microsoft Store listing for the system requirements shown for your PC.
Install the apps you need
- Open the Microsoft Store in Windows.
- Search for Apple Music, Apple TV, or Apple Devices, and install the apps that match your needs. Apple’s download page links to the Store listings.
- Open an app and sign in with the Apple Account relevant to your music, video, or device workflow.
- For future updates, use the Microsoft Store’s updates area or leave automatic app updates enabled. Apple’s Windows software update guidance describes the process.
The apps are distributed through Microsoft Store, but Apple operates the software and related services. Installing an app does not itself provide an Apple Music or Apple TV+ subscription; access to subscription content may require one, and purchases or rentals can be separate.
Compatibility and availability
Do not rely on an old launch article to determine whether your particular PC qualifies. Windows release, hardware architecture, Store restrictions, and regional catalogue availability can all matter. The live Store listing’s compatibility message is the best place to check the current requirements for that app. Apple also warns that Store availability and Apple service features vary by country or region (Apple support).
Rank #3
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If an app is missing or will not install, first run Windows Update and update Microsoft Store apps. Then review the listing’s system requirements and check your Store account’s country or region. If your PC is not supported, iTunes may remain an option for some media tasks; Apple Music or Apple TV on the web may work for streaming where available, but neither replaces Apple Devices for local device backup and restore.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Common problems and what to do
Podcasts or audiobooks are missing
That is consistent with Apple’s current division of work: use iTunes for podcasts and audiobooks on Windows. Keep it installed or reinstall it from the Microsoft Store if you need those functions.
Your music library does not appear
First distinguish music stored locally from Apple Music cloud-library content and iTunes Store purchases. Check whether the library or media files live in a non-default folder or on an external drive, and verify that you signed into the Apple Account associated with the relevant purchases or subscription. Apple documents Apple Music as the app for music libraries and iTunes Store music, but the dossier does not establish that every library location or account state migrates automatically; do not assume it does.
Rank #4
- 5 in 1 Connectivity: The USB C Multiport Adapter is equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 100W USB C PD port, a 5 Gbps USB A data port, and two 480 Mbps USB A ports
You installed Apple Music but cannot back up an iPhone
Install Apple Devices separately. Apple Music manages music; Apple Devices handles the connected-device tasks documented by Apple.
Some Apple TV content is unavailable
Availability varies by region and by how the title is offered. Check whether the item is included with Apple TV+, requires a purchase or rental, or is offered through a channel in your market.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteYou use Windows on a Mac through Boot Camp
Apple says Microsoft Store updates cover its Store apps, but Apple Software Update may still be needed for older Apple Windows software or Boot Camp setups. See Apple’s update guidance for the distinction.
Best Value
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
When the web apps or iCloud for Windows make sense
Apple Music and Apple TV on the web can be convenient if you cannot install a Windows app or only need browser-based streaming. They are not full substitutes for Apple Devices’ connected-device backups, restores, or updates. iCloud for Windows is for cloud synchronization such as iCloud Photos, not a replacement for a local device backup through Apple Devices.
For a supported PC, the dedicated apps are the clearest route for Apple music, video, and iPhone or iPad management. Keep iTunes if you need Windows podcast or audiobook management, or if compatibility forces you back to it. Preview-era reports described installation conflicts and missing features, but those reports concerned early versions; Apple’s current guidance, rather than beta-era behavior, should guide today’s decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
