MacOS Catalina: Giant Leap For Mac-Kind

In June, Apple lifted the lid on macOS Catalina, one of the biggest releases for the Mac in years.

As we get closer to public release this September, we thought we’d go hands-on with some of the most anticipated features to offer our thoughts, including cross-platform apps, the removal of iTunes, and SideCar, which allows an iPad to be used as a second screen…

GOODBYE, iTUNES

macOS upgrades are typically more reserved than the all-guns-blazing iOS overhauls, but it was the Mac that took center stage at this year’s WWDC. One of the biggest talking points was iTunes - or, at least, the removal of it from the Mac after more than eighteen years. As Apple looks to streamline the Mac, it decided to split up the bloated software and introduce new Music, Podcasts, and TV apps - built from the ground up, unifying macOS and iOS.

The Music app reclaims the former iTunes logo and offers most of the functionality you’d expect from iTunes in a new-look package. Fear not: you’re still able to manage the music you’ve purchased, imported, or ripped, with files sitting alongside the content downloaded or added to your library from an Apple Music subscription. According to the company, Music has been designed for Apple Music, but it’s remained loyal to non-subscribers - so relax!

iTunes Music Libraries can be accessed from the Music app, and any playlists from iTunes will be automatically imported to the new app. If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you’ll see For You, Browse and Up Next tabs to peruse Apple Music, but if you prefer to buy songs individually, the iTunes Store lives on. Plus, you can still import music from CDs if you wish.