The streaming era has taken over in the past few years and it could possibly put the download business as an endangered species level in the very near future.
According to Digital Music News, Apple may be waning off iTunes with different timetables in favor of Apple Music. The first timetable would exterminate downloads within two years (seems a little fast), while the second would do it in three to four years. It’s really not a matter of “if” more than it is “when” for the corporation, as their new streaming platform will ultimately cannibalize the online store. Why would anyone download off iTunes when they can listen off Apple Music for cheaper?
Apple actually responded by saying “not true,” but would not elaborate any further. They obviously need more people.
Either way, Apple is at an interesting crossroads. Keep pushing streaming for the future or hold on to dear life with iTunes (which brings in three times more revenue than Apple Music, currently) until the next generation of consumers get accustomed to the new platform for consuming music.
It’s no secret that downloads have been at a decline in recent years and both Apple services are at odds with each other. It’s the age old debate: old vs. new.
OS REWIND: Apple Music Receiving Major Service Revamp in June
[Source]