iTunes Store dropping support for Windows XP and Vista in May

Apple has announced in a new support document that it Windows XP and Vista PCs will no longer be able to access the iTunes Store after May 25 (via MacRumors). Apple chalks the move up to "security changes" that will prevent those still using Vista and XP PCs from updating to the latest version of iTunes, cutting off access to the store.

From Apple:

Starting May 25, Apple will introduce security changes that prevent older Windows PCs from using the iTunes Store. If you have Windows XP or Vista PC, your computer is no longer supported by Microsoft, and you're not able to use the latest version of iTunes.

Apple says you can keep using older versions of iTunes to listen to music, but you won't be able to make new purchases or redownload previous purchases on Windows XP or Vista. Instead, you'll have to upgrade to Windows 7 or later to pick up the latest version of iTunes.

It's impossible to be sure without exact figures, but the cross-section of people still using Windows XP and Vista with iTunes is likely pretty small. And given that Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP or Vista, it's no surprise to see Apple following suit.

Now let's hope this means we're that much closer to getting iTunes on the Microsoft Store for Windows 10.

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Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl

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