Apple Has Removed The Built-In App Store In iTunes 12.7

Not only did Apple announce three new iPhones and a 4K-capable Apple TV, but it also released a software update for iTunes. Version 12.7 of iTunes for MacOS Sierra now focuses more on being a media hub, which is why it will no longer have the App Store.

Apple’s iTunes 12.7 now focuses on music, movies, TV shows, podcasts and audiobooks. Apple has decided to remove the built-in App Store from iTunes 12.7 as part of its effort to streamline its online services on desktop computers.

“If you previously used iTunes to sync apps or ringtones on your iOS device, use the new App Store or Sounds Settings on iOS to redownload them without your Mac,” Apple tells users in the update prompt, according to The Verge.

Although users won’t be able to redownload previously purchased apps or ringtones on iTunes 12.7, users will still be able to sync those by plugging in their iOS device. Once users update to iTunes 12.7, the only way to download/redownload apps is directly through the App Store on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Apple has also made some changes on where other content in iTunes 12.7 are found. For example, iTunes U collections are now found under Podcasts, while Internet Radio stations will now appear in the user’s music library sidebar.

How To Download iTunes 12.7

On the Mac, users will have to open the App Store from the Applications folder or from the App Dock. Next, users will have to click on the Update button on the top of the window. This will bring up a list of apps that has available updates.

If iTunes 12.7 isn’t listed on this page, users should try to refresh the page by pressing command+R on the keyboard, according to Macworld. Once the update is available, users will simply have to click the Update button on the right side of the page and the download and installation process will begin.

Downloading and installing iTunes 12.7 should only take a few minutes, but this will depend on the user’s internet speed. Once it finishes, there will be no need to restart the Mac computer and users can start using iTunes 12.7 immediately.

When opening iTunes 12.7 for the first time, users will be greeted by an update prompt from Apple. The prompt will tell users that the App Store will no longer be found on iTunes.

App Store for iOS 11

With Apple removing the built-in App Store from iTunes 12.7, everyone is now expecting a major upgrade for the iOS 11 App Store. Unlike previous iterations, the new App Store for iOS 11 devices will be more editorial than before and focuses on having users discover new and popular apps.

The new App Store for iOS 11 will have a new Today tab which will have original stories from Apple’s editors from around the world talking about the newest and latests apps. Games and Apps on the new iOS 11 App Store will be more informative with support for more video demos, app ratings/rankings and age rating.

The redesigned App Store is expected to arrive on Sept. 12, the same date when iOS 11 is released to all iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users.