Apple confirms that it isn't killing iTunes music downloads

This week, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed rumours surrounding the retirement of iTunes.

Three separate apps, Apple's Music, Podcast and TV, will replace iTunes on the Mac desktop operating systems.

Apple has now released an official document, detailing what will happen with iTunes and previous downloads when the new macOS Catalina (10.15) operating system is rolled out in September.

In the document, Apple shared, “Music that you’ve imported or purchased will be in the new Apple Music app. Music playlists and smart playlists that you’ve created in iTunes will be in the new Apple Music app. The iTunes Store will still be available to buy music on Mac, iOS, PC, and Apple TV. iTunes Gift Cards and iTunes credits will be maintained and can be used with the new apps and the App Store. iPhone, iPad, and iPod backup, restore, and syncing will move to Finder."

In May this year, Apple announced the release of the first iPod since 2015.