Apple iTunes 11 Release Date Rumors: The New Version Could Be Launched Thursday, Says Report

Although Apple was expected to release the new iTunes 11 software at the end of October, it was eventually delayed. And now, it is believed that the new version of iTunes is likely to be launched Nov. 29.

On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal published a profile of Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, in which it was hinted that iTunes 11, which was delayed due to some “engineering issues that required parts to be rebuilt,” could be released as soon as Thursday, Nov. 29.

Cue, 48, is the head of Apple’s iTunes group. He recently took over iOS Maps and Siri after former iOS chief Scott Forstall had been ousted from the company.

Calling Cue “a prime architect of Apple’s software strategy” and “one of the most important product voices,” the report said: “This week, Mr. Cue faces a test of how well Apple can keep up in online services with the launch of a new desktop version of iTunes, which is expected as soon as Thursday… The new iTunes has been delayed a month by engineering issues that required parts to be rebuilt, according to people who have seen it.”

“The new version of iTunes, dubbed iTunes 11, is more closely integrated with iCloud and resembles the mobile version,” the report added.

The WSJ article went on to explain Cue’s role within Apple as "Mr. Fix-It". According to it, Cue is “proceeding cautiously” with the rumored music streaming service.

When asked about the iTunes 11 delay, Apple’s spokesperson Tom Neumayr told AllThingsD in October that the new version was “taking longer than expected” and that the company “wanted to take a little extra time to get it right.”

“We look forward to releasing this new version of iTunes with its dramatically simpler and cleaner interface, and seamless integration with iCloud before the end of November,” said Neumayr.

Last week, Feiyr, a digital music distribution service that acts as an interface between rights owners and digital retailers, informed its members that iTunes 11 “is about to be released within the next days.”

As per an email message from Feiyr, iTunes 11 will feature the revamped artist pages with pictures and photo galleries. In addition, Apple’s iTunes 11 promo page also mentions in brief many other features, including a new mini player, improved iCloud integration, new library and expanded views.

“iTunes now features simplified views of exactly what you want. Looking for an album? Click Music and that’s all you’ll see. Do the same for movies, TV shows, apps — and everything else. It’s browsing made more intuitive.”

Apple has also revealed some other features like In the Store recommendations, the Up Next feature that allows the users to queue songs and the Preview History button which facilitates a quick rundown of all the iTunes Store media that have been sampled.