As we reported previously, Apple is working on iTunes 11 for a launch later this year, which sources told us it is a major revamp. The new software will be even simpler and user-friendlier than the current design, and early builds indicate improved iCloud integration. Reiterating what we reported before, Bloomberg reported this evening that Apple is working on large changes to iTunes that will launch by the end of this year, “according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.” Furthermore, the publication said iCloud file integration and music sharing would be heavily featured in the newest build. The sharing will most likely happen through Twitter and Facebook, both of which Apple has partnered with for sharing in iOS 6 and Mountain Lion (both are also now seeded to developers on the Developer Center). As for the iCloud integration, it is suppose to make things easier for users to manage their files. We showed you a screenshot of the iCloud integration within an early build of iTunes 11 in April.
In February, Apple acquired app search engine start-up Chomp for an unknown sum of money. The technology and team are said to be working on the new version of iTunes to assist users with search and app discovery. It is not clear if the Chomp team is behind it, but Apple made noticeable changes to the app search results within iTunes recently.
The star of the iTunes show last fall was iTunes Match, which allows users to scan and match music tracks across all of their Macs and iOS devices for just $24.99 a year. It looks like a total revamp to the iTunes desktop app will be the star this October. The iTunes Store and App Store within iOS 6 already received a UI revamp.
