Get the latest on the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app discontinuation in the new Apple TV update

Apple plans to discontinue its standalone iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps on the Apple TV box, starting with tvOS 17.2. In preparation for the change, the tech giant has updated the TV app to include features that were previously missing. This includes the ability to filter by genre in the purchased tab, as well as the inclusion of box sets in the store listings.

The update will also bring a new sidebar design to the TV app, making it easier for users to navigate through the store and purchases. While the home screen tiles for iTunes Movies and TV Shows remain, they will eventually disappear as Apple has the ability to hide apps from the Apple TV home screen with a backend change.

Users are directed to the TV app to manage their purchases and to buy and rent from the store. Apple’s decision to migrate away from the standalone iTunes videos app means that the iTunes brand is fading out.

As of now, the iTunes Store app on iPhone and iPad is still functional for movie and TV show purchasing. However, it is possible that Apple will also migrate users away from that app to the TV app in the future.

Assuming no issues are found with the release candidate seed, tvOS 17.2 is expected to be released to the general public for all users next week, just before the holidays. This move is a part of Apple’s strategy to streamline its services and provide users with a more unified experience across its platforms.