In a definitive step forwards, Apple and Microsoft have finally agreed to the inevitable. Owing to the growing number of cross-platform applications, Apple has agreed to launch iTunes on the Windows Store.
“Touting the benefits of Windows 10 S in a recent interview, Microsoft CVP of Windows Joe Belfiore said Apple’s decision to list iTunes in the Windows Store suggests the platform is approaching a ‘tipping point’.” (Source)
Microsft is launching a new OS — Windows 10 S — which is designed specifically for students. Among the major talking points of this new OS are upgraded specs and faster speeds, but more importantly, it’s offering cross-platform compatibility over various mobile and desktop OSes.
A large part of Microsoft’s promise depends on Apple’s and Google’s popular applications gaining native support on Windows 10 S. Something, which can only be achieved if these apps are available as direct downloads from the Microsoft Store.
The student market is one of the most lucrative segments of the PC market, and it would be unwise to ignore the hold Microsoft has over this group. Especially in the yet unsaturated developing markets such as India. Of course, Apple isn’t the only one to recognise this opportunity and act on it. Apple Music’s biggest rival, Spotify, has already committed to providing their app on Windows 10 S.
AppleInsider reports —
“Other companies keen on addressing what Microsoft considers a potential growth market followed suit. Spotify, for example, announced it would offer a Windows Store version of its streaming music app.”
While we are glad to see iTunes join the Windows Store, we are still not impressed with the App collection Microsoft’s online app store has to offer. It’s only two years old, though, and has a long way to go. And we hope that in the coming times, Apple will co-operate with Microsoft and develop more native apps for them.