Full Breakdown
Apple Phases Out iTunes Movies and TV Shows Apps in tvOS 26.4
2/18/2026, 10:44:01 AM
Transition to Apple TV App
With the release of tvOS 26.4, Apple has officially removed the dedicated iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps from the Apple TV platform. This change marks the culmination of a gradual transition that began in 2023, where Apple redirected users to the Apple TV app for purchasing and renting content. The standalone apps were retained for a time to assist users in migrating their media habits and accessing their iTunes Wish Lists, but they are now entirely phased out.
Background of the Change
Apple's decision to eliminate the iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps aligns with its long-term strategy to consolidate media purchasing and viewing into a single platform. This shift has been evident since the introduction of iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2, which similarly redirected users from the iTunes Store to the Apple TV app for media purchases. The removal of these apps from tvOS 26.4 is part of a broader effort to streamline the user experience by centralizing all media content within the Apple TV app.
Key Features of tvOS 26.4
In addition to the removal of the iTunes apps, tvOS 26.4 introduces a new feature called "Continuous Audio Connection." This setting aims to enhance audio playback stability by maintaining an active connection across various audio formats, thereby addressing issues such as audio dropouts and inconsistencies that users have reported, particularly with Sonos speakers and AV receivers. The update also modifies the Audio Format settings, replacing the term "Dolby Atmos" with "Spatial Audio" and providing clearer options for audio output.
Official Statements & Responses
Apple has communicated with users regarding the discontinuation of the iTunes Wish List feature, advising them to migrate their lists to the Apple TV Watchlist. Users received emails detailing the transition process, which includes links to facilitate the transfer of their saved titles. Apple emphasized that the goal of these changes is to provide a more unified and efficient media purchasing experience.
Criticism & Opposition
While the transition to the Apple TV app has been largely anticipated, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the removal of the iTunes apps. Critics argue that the standalone apps provided a more straightforward way to manage media purchases, and their elimination may complicate the experience for some users who preferred the previous setup.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are mixed reports regarding the effectiveness of the new Continuous Audio Connection feature. While many users have noted improvements in audio playback, some have experienced new issues, particularly with stereo content. This discrepancy highlights the need for further testing and refinement of the feature as the beta phase progresses.
What's Next
The public release of tvOS 26.4 is anticipated for spring 2026, during which Apple is expected to continue refining the new features based on user feedback from the beta testing phase. As Apple consolidates its media offerings, users will need to adapt to the changes in how they access and manage their purchased content.
