iTunes is a brand that is arguably as famous and well-known as any other computer or media branding. The software was initially launched by Apple in 2001, swiftly followed by the ‘iTunes Music Store in 2003 (subsequently shortened to the ‘iTunes Store’). Since then, the Store has grown from supplying only music, to offering movies, TV shows, books, podcasts and apps for iOS devices. It also acts as a hub for iTunes U and, with Ping, a social network based around music. So, how long is the name going to last?
The issue with continuing to call iTunes, well, ‘iTunes’ is that it no longer applies nor covers the scope of what the software and the Store actually does and offers. It’s a case of the brand taking over the functionality and, perhaps through lack of foresight or action, has resulted in the iTunes Store becoming Apple’s default media hub (iMedia anyone?) with a bit of a misnomer.
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