iTunes just hit the 25-year mark, reminding us how it revolutionized music consumption. It’s a nostalgic nod to when a single app reshaped the entire industry.
On January 9, 2001, Apple introduced iTunes to the world at Macworld San Francisco. Developed by a team from Cassady & Greene, the application was initially just a practical MP3 tool called SoundJam MP. It quickly evolved into something transformative. Steve Jobs proclaimed it as “the easiest way to organize and enjoy music on your Mac,” and he was spot on. This software didn’t just play music; it set the stage for a monumental shift in how people interacted with their music collections.
Jobs had a vision that iTunes would change the music industry, and it did. The phrase “rip, mix, burn” became synonymous with the program’s capabilities, allowing users to import CDs, create playlists, and even burn their own music CDs seamlessly. With the introduction of the iPod shortly after, Apple established a harmonious ecosystem of hardware and software that changed the face of music consumption forever.
As iTunes expanded, it introduced the iTunes Music Store in 2003, allowing customers to purchase songs legally and individually for the first time. This marked the decline of the classic album model and altered how millions of people bought music. Over time, iTunes morphed into a digital media control center, with features supporting movies, podcasts, and apps. However, as the program grew, many users felt it became unwieldy, moving from a sleek media player to what some called a “digital general store.”
In 2019, Apple made a significant change by discontinuing iTunes with the launch of macOS Catalina. This decision was met with mixed feelings. While some were relieved to see the software streamlined into three distinct applications—Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts—others lamented the loss of the simplicity and user-friendliness that characterized the original iTunes experience.
Although iTunes is no longer being developed, its legacy is undeniable. It played a pivotal role in transitioning from physical media to digital formats, paving the way for today’s streaming platforms. It altered the dynamics between artists, labels, and fans, proving that music could integrate technology and design while evoking strong emotions.
As we reflect on the 25 years since its launch, iTunes serves as a reminder not only of technological progress but of the nostalgia for a time when music felt more tangible and accessible. Despite the changes, its spirit lives on through Apple Music and in the memories of countless users.
