14 DAY TRIAL // Just like the rest of the world, Apple abandons operating systems that no longer receive support, and the next in queue are Windows XP and Windows Vista.
The company will no longer allow computers running one of the two operating systems to connect to the iTunes Store starting May 225, as it’s making changes that require newer platforms.
In an advisory released on February 23, Apple explains that security improvements introduced for the iTunes Store prevent older Windows PCs from connecting, and Apple says that the only option is to upgrade to a newer release.
Windows 7 or later is required, and this means that users must be running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 to be able to get content from the iTunes Store.
“You can continue to use previous versions of iTunes on your Windows PC without support from Apple. However, you won't be able to make new purchases from the iTunes Store or redownload previous purchases on that computer,” Apple explains.
Windows XP abandoned in 2014
Windows XP no longer receives support since April 2014, and software developers have gradually abandoned support for the platform, requiring users instead to upgrade to newer versions of Windows.
On the other hand, not everyone is ready to make the switch, and third-party stats show that Windows XP is running on more than 4 percent of devices worldwide, though many of them are still being used by companies and organizations.
In this case, the transition to newer Windows is a more complex process that involves dealing with hardware and software compatibility issues and which often leads to system upgrades that are more expensive than for consumers.
Apple has also announced that the same security changes will prevent the first-generation Apple TV from connecting to the iTunes Store. Updates won’t be released for the device because it has already been placed on Apple’s obsolete product list.