If you think that the iTunes Store has devolved into a cluttered mess, you’re not alone. Apple apparently feels the same way because it’s prepping an overhaul according to a juicy tidbit out today. According to a new post at 9to5Mac Apple is preparing its first iTunes Store redesign in three years.
The new design is said to be even simpler and more user-friendly than the current design. Apple is working on ways to enhance the speed and efficiency of finding new content, such as songs, videos, and applications. The cornerstone element of Apple’s new iTunes Store is interactivity. As Apple vaguely explained to a number of music labels and entertainment partners, Apple is looking to make the iTunes Store a much more engaging experience.
In its last overhaul — circa 2009 — Apple launched its current offering which replaced a bluish design (see below) with a more traditional white interface.
Them in late 2009 Apple launched a new iTunes Store design (as part of iTunes 9) that moved its digital content front-and-center with a prominent carousel that displayed a rotation of featured content from the various categories that Apple sells.
If you think that iTunes is a cluttered mess (as I do) check out this screenshot of the 2007/2008 (courtesy of Feed Me Bubbe):
The move to an overhauled iTunes Store will be welcome news to many users, especially ones that have migrated to other music services like Spotify (my current favorite), Google Music and Amazon MP3. And let’s not forget the sleeping giant: Microsoft’s bound to refresh MSN Music and Zune.net when the time is right.
What’s your take on the iTunes Store? What would you like to see in the 2012 refresh?
