Apple is playing catch up to an old Spotify feature once again today, having just officially launched the public beta of Apple Music web player. The new update also puts one of the final nails in the coffin of its iconic iTunes software which is set to phase out with the release of the next version of MacOS.
The online version comes shortly after the company introduced the Apple Artists app and ahead of it’s new laucnh where it is expected to unveil several new iPhone models. The end of iTunes marks the end of the era of commercial digital music sales, but it’s also the first time we’ve had a web-based product from Apple outside of icloud.
On first use, we have to say it feels refreshing and cleaner than the current Apple Music app. The site has all the features we need and even an option to open the current track on the App if we ant. Although moving the search bar to the left is going to take some getting used to, I already have to say I find it refreshing not having it in the browser.
It’ll be interesting to note how the link fits in with smart links for artists and wether it opens the web version automatically. You can view it here by signing in: https://beta.music.apple.com