Apple Releases iTunes 12.7 With Major Changes, Including No Built-In App Store

[Eternal Bliss]

Not sure if I understand everyone's problem with removing iOS apps from iTunes. Starting from iOS 9, app downloads are now thinned—meaning the binary that ends up on your device is custom downloaded from the store for the specific device and not from your Mac or PC.

So if you're syncing from iTunes on Mac or PC, I believe just the "placeholder" of the app is synced over and the actual download of the app occurs on your iOS device so that it can grab the specific portions of the app for that device.

That is not the case, at least not in my experience. The full app downloads to the Mac. The full app is synced to my iPad. If the app does not require additional content there is nothing else to download onto my iPad.

 

[nicho]

It is not a redundant feature. It was discussed above, for those who have only cellular access to the web (no cable, no free wifi) using iTunes App Store was the only way to download large apps. iOS won't let you download an app over 100Mb in size over cellular. Earlier it was possible to enable wifi hotspot on iPhone, connect your Mac and download such apps to iTunes on a Mac and sync them back to iPhone. Now for such people there's no way to install/update apps which are bigger than 100Mb in size.

You have a Mac? download Configurator 2.
[doublepost=1505354078][/doublepost]

old-wiz are you sure about that. Did you read the linked article. Because I read the linked article and I can't find any reference to any requirement for "OS/x server". Here are the only requirements as listed in the article:

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Requirements for tethered caching

• A Mac with macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later, and either iTunes 12.6 or later, or Xcode 8.3 or later. The Mac should be connected to the network via Ethernet. If you use tethered caching, your Mac won’t go to sleep. If your Mac is portable, plug in the power adaptor.
• An iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.

If you want to connect multiple iOS devices to your Mac simultaneously, you’ll also need a USB hub.

----------

Did I miss something that you know about but that Apple neglected to mention in the article. Thanks in advance.

Technically I believe this would only work for identical devices, thanks to app thinning and delta updates.

 

[Eternal Bliss]

The only way Apple is going to "hear" is if ALL OF YOU who also don't like this tells them loud and clear. Take 3 minutes and go to the FEEDBACK page and tell them what you think. If you don't? They will assume everything fine - no one even complained. It takes each voice so please click the link and let them know what you think:

FEEDBACK:
Feedback - iTunes - Apple

Done, but the Feedback site has not been updated with iOS 10.3.3 and iTunes 12.7.

 

[Kevenly]

Itunes 12.7 will not keep my chosen size of the column browser when going between it and a playlist. It resizes it into a small window with only a few lines and expands the track list. This is a big problem since that is mostly how I use the program. It seems with every release they screw something up. Where the hell is the Apple quality control.

Apple's quality control passed away in 2011.

 

[Eternal Bliss]

Works like a charm. View attachment 717516

Yes--except that it does not allow for searching the AppStore through iTunes, does not allow for updating apps through iTunes, and it is not permanent in iTunes but must be done repeatedly.

 

[gr8tfly]

Even with iTunes 12.6.x you'll no longer be able to download new or updated apps.

For me this stopped last week - but I didn't take any action on it, because I also running the new macOS 10.13 DP, so I just thought that the App Store was temporary 'down'.

I’ve updated a couple of dozen over the last week. Works the same. I haven’t looked in the media folder, but given those updated apps’ old versions ended up in the trash the same as always, I have no indication the apps weren’t downloaded to the Mac as usual. Definitely holding off on 12.7 though.

 

[Eternal Bliss]

What do you mean Configurator doesn't work on a small scale? It worked fine for me on a scale of 1 (my iPhone).

Does Configurator require enrolment in a business or educator program? And does Configurator check for updates of apps and download apps?

But on another note: Apple killed app capability in iTunes and now I must download and install a separate app to do what iTunes used to do. That is very inefficient and inelegant. If Apple wanted to reduce the size of iTunes for those users who do not use iTunes for apps, it ought to have made app capability as an optional and opt-in feature.

 

[cflem]

I feel like a MacOS native iTunesU or 100% web based iTunes U is coming. Probably at the iPad event.

 

[nicho]

Does Configurator require enrolment in a business or educator program? And does Configurator check for updates of apps and download apps?

But on another note: Apple killed app capability in iTunes and now I must download and install a separate app to do what iTunes used to do. That is very inefficient and inelegant. If Apple wanted to reduce the size of iTunes for those users who do not use iTunes for apps, it ought to have made app capability as an optional and opt-in feature.

It requires no enrolment.

You sign into the relevant iTunes account, right click the device and select to update the apps within. It will then download and apply the updates. You can easily sign in and out of multiple accounts to do this much faster than was possible in itunes or an iOS device, if you use apps from more than one.

On the other hand, writing a modular system to add that or not would make iTunes even more bloated. Think of downloading configurator 2 as opting back into it... Apple needs to take iTunes back to basics and rewrite it from the ground up. I'm only surprised at this interim step of removing things now without reinventing the rest of the app.

 

[Eternal Bliss]

Is there a way to revert to iTunes 12.6?

 

[cmichaelb]

But doesn't this mean if you have three devices like 2 iPads and an iPhone that every time any app is updated it has to be downloaded separately to each device? That will take at least 3 times as long as it does to just download to iTunes once.

Good point.

 

[Plutonius]

Argh. I did not want the newest version of iTunes but the auto update loaded it in.

I'm now permanently turning off auto updates and I bet others will do so also.

 

[TheRedBat]

What if you made your own custom ringtones?

Hi! I had the same question! Here is what I've done as a current work around.
Find the File. Make sure it meets the Standard Ringtone Format (30 Seconds Long, Saved in a .M4R format)
Plug your iOS Device into iTunes.
Click on the Phone on the Upper Left Corner, and click on "Tones," Under "This Device."
Go back to Windows Explorer (Assuming you're using a windows computer)
Drag the .M4R File to Tones, under this device and it should sync over.

I can upload a video to YouTube if you'd like a visual.

I hope that helps.
[doublepost=1505358039][/doublepost]

Is there a way to revert to iTunes 12.6?

I believe so.


If you are on a Windows Computer, Uninstall iTunes:

(https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204275)

Remove iTunes and its related components from the Control Panel
Use the Control Panel to uninstall iTunes and related software components in the following order:

1. iTunes
2. Apple Software Update
3. Apple Mobile Device Support
4. Bonjour
5. Apple Application Support 32-bit
6. Apple Application Support 64-bit

In this order. Do not skip around or try to remove all of the programs at once.

When you go to install iTunes, click on this link.

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1814?locale=en_GB

And install.

If you're on a Mac, then you're going to have to restore from Time Machine Backup.

You can find the article here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

But, you might want to call tech support, just to make sure everything transitions properly.

I hope this helps.

 

[Eternal Bliss]

It requires no enrolment.

You sign into the relevant iTunes account, right click the device and select to update the apps within. It will then download and apply the updates. You can easily sign in and out of multiple accounts to do this much faster than was possible in itunes or an iOS device, if you use apps from more than one.

On the other hand, writing a modular system to add that or not would make iTunes even more bloated. Think of downloading configurator 2 as opting back into it... Apple needs to take iTunes back to basics and rewrite it from the ground up. I'm only surprised at this interim step of removing things now without reinventing the rest of the app.

Thank you. I downloaded Configurator 2 and updated my iPad with several updated apps that I had previously downloaded into iTunes but had not yet synced to my iPad. But C2 downloaded the apps again instead of using the copies that I had downloaded previously. Also C2 looks clunkier than iTunes did.
[doublepost=1505358372][/doublepost]

Hi! I had the same question! Here is what I've done as a current work around.
Find the File. Make sure it meets the Standard Ringtone Format (30 Seconds Long, Saved in a .M4R format)
Plug your iOS Device into iTunes.
Click on the Phone on the Upper Left Corner, and click on "Tones," Under "This Device."
Go back to Windows Explorer (Assuming you're using a windows computer)
Drag the .M4R File to Tones, under this device and it should sync over.

I can upload a video to YouTube if you'd like a visual.

I hope that helps.
[doublepost=1505358039][/doublepost]

I believe so.


If you are on a Windows Computer, Uninstall iTunes:

(https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204275)

Remove iTunes and its related components from the Control Panel
Use the Control Panel to uninstall iTunes and related software components in the following order:

1. iTunes
2. Apple Software Update
3. Apple Mobile Device Support
4. Bonjour
5. Apple Application Support 32-bit
6. Apple Application Support 64-bit

In this order. Do not skip around or try to remove all of the programs at once.

When you go to install iTunes, click on this link.

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1814?locale=en_GB

And install.

If you're on a Mac, then you're going to have to restore from Time Machine Backup.

You can find the article here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

But, you might want to call tech support, just to make sure everything transitions properly.

I hope this helps.

Thank you. I am using an iMac and I do not have a Time Machine. I have followed nicho's advice and installed Configurator 2, which is not as elegant as iTunes was but seems to do the job that iTunes no longer does. I have also provided Apple with feedback.

 

[JamesPDX]

Hi! I had the same question! Here is what I've done as a current work around.
In this order. Do not skip around or try to remove all of the programs at once.
When you go to install iTunes, click on this link.
https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1814?locale=en_GB
And install.
I hope this helps.

Hi, that link sends one to download 12.7, in case you didn't know. Or maybe the link was "updated" after you posted it.

 

[TheRedBat]

Thank you. I downloaded Configurator 2 and updated my iPad with several updated apps that I had previously downloaded into iTunes but had not yet synced to my iPad. But C2 downloaded the apps again instead of using the copies that I had downloaded previously. Also C2 looks clunkier than iTunes did.
[doublepost=1505358372][/doublepost]

Thank you. I am using an iMac and I do not have a Time Machine. I have followed nicho's advice and installed Configurator 2, which is not as elegant as iTunes was but seems to do the job that iTunes no longer does. I have also provided Apple with feedback.

Ah, I'm sure it works the same with an iMac, assuming you've saved your files somewhere other then the iTunes Library. But okay.
[doublepost=1505358697][/doublepost]

Hi, that link sends one to download 12.7, in case you didn't know. Or maybe the link was "updated" after you posted it.

That's Weird. Try this link,

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1934?locale=en_US

If not, then Google Download iTunes 12.6.2 and it should bring you to the same page.

 

[Eternal Bliss]

Another thing about Apple forcing users to download apps on iOS instead of through iTunes: electrical power. Depending on the size of the download it may be necessary to connect the iOS device to a computer or to an electrical outlet. It may be safer to do so regardless. The antenna of the iOS device probably draws more power than a USB or Lightning sync does.

 

[TheRedBat]

Thank you. I downloaded Configurator 2 and updated my iPad with several updated apps that I had previously downloaded into iTunes but had not yet synced to my iPad. But C2 downloaded the apps again instead of using the copies that I had downloaded previously. Also C2 looks clunkier than iTunes did.
[doublepost=1505358372][/doublepost]

Thank you. I am using an iMac and I do not have a Time Machine. I have followed nicho's advice and installed Configurator 2, which is not as elegant as iTunes was but seems to do the job that iTunes no longer does. I have also provided Apple with feedback.

OH! One thing I forgot to mention is to make sure "Manage Music and Videos" is checked in Device settings.

 

[Eternal Bliss]

Ah, I'm sure it works the same with an iMac, assuming you've saved your files somewhere other then the iTunes Library. But okay.
[doublepost=1505358697][/doublepost]


That's Weird. Try this link,

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1934?locale=en_US

If not, then Google Download iTunes 12.6.2 and it should bring you to the same page.

That link has both Windows and MacOS versions of iTunes 12.6. I downloaded the MacOS version but am holding off on trying to install it. I will wait for more information.

P.S.: How did you get a picture of my cat?!

 

[Le Big Mac]

i for one won't update. I used itunes 10 for over a year after 11 came out and then finally decided i was ready for an upgrade. i plan on sticking to the version i'm on for a long time too.

I wonder how long 12.6 will continue to work . . .

(I plan to find out)

 

[Eternal Bliss]

I wonder how long 12.6 will continue to work . . .

(I plan to find out)

iOS 11 will probably kill 12.6. Or the next version of MacOS will. Or they both will. Apple may dislike supposed redundancy in iTunes but it surely will do everything that it can to kill 12.6.

 

[TheRedBat]

That link has both Windows and MacOS versions of iTunes 12.6. I downloaded the MacOS version but am holding off on trying to install it. I will wait for more information.

P.S.: How did you get a picture of my cat?!

Lol. I think it's safe to say that alllll cats love to sit in boxes and give death stares to their owners while they're taking a picture of them.

 

[redheeler]

Thank you. I downloaded Configurator 2 and updated my iPad with several updated apps that I had previously downloaded into iTunes but had not yet synced to my iPad. But C2 downloaded the apps again instead of using the copies that I had downloaded previously. Also C2 looks clunkier than iTunes did.

Apple Configurator is a great suggestion. I had completely forgotten that Apple does makes an app just for managing iOS devices...

Just tested with a .ipa that I know is an older version of an app still up on the store, backed up using iTunes, and that version of it installed just fine on my Air 2 running iOS 8.4.1. Now I just need to find a solution for backing up individual apps, which I think I have - but not yet gotten a chance to test it on iOS 11, which I plan to be putting on the iPad soon.

 

[Kevenly]

Apparently they don't want customers to use their Mac to have control over their iPhone. Sure, they're still letting us use Macs to control the music and video. For now.

While this is most certainly my paranoid fearmongering speaking, it's like they want to incrementally divorce the iOS devices from the macOS ones. We've always used a Mac (or iTunes on Windows) to control our i-devices, or at least the option to do so was always there. Perhaps the next iteration of iPhone won't have a Lightning port at all, seeing as how Apple is moving to wireless charging, and all syncing of music must be done via wifi... or via iCloud. Or maybe they're planning to eventually get rid of Macs completely. When an Apple exec says an iPad can be your computer, maybe they mean an iPad WILL be your computer, citizen.

Like I said, just my paranoia talking. I hope.

If they want to divorce my iOS from OS X devices then they better start putting some kind of drive port or memory card slot on the iDevices so I can actually use them as independent computer platforms that don't require the internet for everything. Until these devices can be useful without internet access then they are just accessory devices that cannot be relied on. Besides that, Apple was always about ease of use and everything working together. Now they want so much control of everything that they don't even want to let us have our Apple devices work seamlessly together.

 

[TheRedBat]

iOS 11 will probably kill 12.6. Or the next version of MacOS will. Or they both will. Apple may dislike supposed redundancy in iTunes but it surely will do everything that it can to kill 12.6.

I know that they killed

iOS 11 will probably kill 12.6. Or the next version of MacOS will. Or they both will. Apple may dislike supposed redundancy in iTunes but it surely will do everything that it can to kill 12.6.

I don't think they would kill it automatically when 11 drops. They waited at least 2 years, and 7 something updates later to kill iOS 8, which was running on 11.4, I believe (correct me if I'm wrong)

Their stuff is expensive and they know that.

They know that not everyone is able to just throw their iPhone out and go and buy another as soon as an update or another iPhone drops. It's just not feasible and not good business. They know that a lot of people are leasing their iPhone either through their Carrier or through Apple themselves. A lot of people are bound to those phones until they pay them off or are eligible for an upgrade. They know that the majority of their sales will go down because if what you're saying is true, then people would just outright stop buying Apple Products.

I don't think they will kill 12.6, right away. I think they will give it some time.
[doublepost=1505361180][/doublepost]

If they want to divorce my iOS from OS X devices then they better start putting some kind of drive port or memory card slot on the iDevices so I can actually use them as independent computer platforms that don't require the internet for everything. Until these devices can be useful without internet access then they are just accessory devices that cannot be relied on. Besides that, Apple was always about ease of use and everything working together. Now they want so much control of everything that they don't even want to let us have our Apple devices work seamlessly together.

They do tend to Micromanage everything.... >.>