Apple clarifies: iTunes wishlists are being discontinued

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Apple is once again making changes to its media offerings. This time, it affects iTunes wishlists for movies and TV shows. The feature is being discontinued after having briefly disappeared and then reappeared recently. Unlike last time, Apple is now actively informing users about the upcoming change via email.

Apple has been reorganizing its apps and purchasing options for some time now. iTunes is becoming increasingly less important, while the Apple TV app is becoming the central hub for movies and TV shows. The decision to remove iTunes wishlists fits into this strategy. The key questions are how existing wishlists will be handled and how Apple manages the transition.

Apple informs users via email about the end of wish lists

Apple has begun sending emails to customers who still have iTunes wishlists for movies or TV shows. In these messages, the company announces that the wishlists will soon be discontinued. Apple has not specified a date.

Each email contains a PDF file. This file lists all the movies and TV shows currently on the respective iTunes wish list. Each entry includes a link that leads directly to the corresponding content.

Transfer to Apple TV watchlist

Apple recommends adding the contents of your iTunes wish list to your Apple TV app's Watchlist. The email explains that each link in the PDF can be opened. You can then add the respective movie or TV show to your Watchlist using the "+" button.

This way, saved content is retained even if iTunes wishlists are no longer available. The Watchlist in the Apple TV app thus takes over the function previously performed by the iTunes wishlist.

Background: Removal with iOS 17.2

With the release of iOS 17.2, Apple completely removed the wishlists for movies and TV shows. Customers were not informed of this beforehand. Many users only noticed their wishlists were gone after the update. This caused considerable frustration, especially for users with extensive lists.

The reactions led Apple to reintroduce iTunes wish lists with iOS 17.3. However, this return was only temporary.

Reason for the abolition

The main reason for removing wish lists is the shift in purchasing options. Since iOS 17.2, the Apple TV app is the only place on iOS devices where movies and TV shows can be purchased. The iTunes app no longer serves this purpose.

From Apple's perspective, wishlists for movies and TV shows in iTunes no longer fit into this new structure. The removal of the feature is therefore part of the long-term transition.

Current status and outlook

After its reintroduction in iOS 17.3, the iTunes wish list is now being permanently discontinued. The difference from the first attempt is that Apple is providing early notification this time and offering a way to back up the content.

A precise shutdown date has not yet been announced. However, it is clear that wishlists will disappear and the Apple TV watchlist will remain the only way to collect movies and TV shows.

Farewell to iTunes, focus on the Apple TV app

Apple is consistently continuing the transformation of its media ecosystem. The removal of iTunes wish lists is another step away from iTunes and towards the Apple TV app as the central platform for movies and TV shows. The provided email and PDF lists at least offer the possibility of transferring saved content in a traceable way before the feature disappears completely. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / BigTunaOnline)