Apple Releases iTunes 12.6.3 To Bring Back The App Store

Apple removed the App Store from iTunes last month to streamline its online services. However, the tech giant has released a new version of iTunes that brings back the ability to download App Store apps and ringtones.

Apple decided to release iTunes version 12.6.3 because “certain business partners might still need to use iTunes to install apps.” The company mentioned that some enterprise customers use iTunes to deploy apps en masse to certain iOS devices. The tech giant didn’t give out any further information on that matter, but this should be good news for users who still want to download apps and ringtones from the App Store using iTunes on their desktop computers.

Version 12.6.3 of iTunes will work on all Mac computers (OS X and MacOS) and PCs that have 32-bit and 64-bit processors. This version of iTunes 12.6.3 can only be installed if users are currently running iTunes 12.7. To download this version of iTunes, users will simply have to obtain it from this webpage and run the installer on their computer. Once it has been installed, users will be able to download apps from the App Store on their desktop computers.

This might sound simple at first, but there are some major caveats to consider before installing iTunes 12.6.3. First off, users on Reddit pointed out that the current iTunes library won’t be compatible after installing iTunes 12.6.3. Users will either have to recover their library from a previous backup or they will have to open iTunes while holding down the Option key (Shift key on Windows) and create a new library, according to Engadget.

When users create a new library, they will have to give it a new name that’s different from their existing library. They will then have to migrate all of their albums using the “Add to Library…” option under the Files menu, as explained by Mac Rumors.

Another important thing to consider is that if users install iTunes 12.6.3, they won’t be able to receive notifications to install a newer version of the software. “You won’t be prompted to download new versions of iTunes after you install this version,” Apple said on its support page. Users who install iTunes 12.6.3 won’t be able to receive technical support from Apple. The tech giant only provides tech support for users who are running iTunes 12.7.

Last month, Apple released iTunes 12.7 which completely removed the App Store. The move was seen as Apple’s way of streamlining iTunes, which was criticized previously for being a bit bloated. iTunes 12.7 focuses more on music, movies, TV shows, podcasts and audiobooks. If users continue running iTunes 12.7, the only way for them to browse, download and install apps is from the App Store on their iOS devices.

The rerelease of iTunes 12.6.7 seems to be a temporary solution to appease customers who want the App Store back to iTunes. Since iTunes 12.6.3 won’t be getting software updates or technical support, it could raise concerns over security. For users who might not want to risk it, it’s best to just stick with iTunes 12.7 for now.