A rumor on Thursday claims Apple is developing native Apple Music and Podcasts apps for dissemination on the Microsoft Store, though it remains unclear if the company plans to replace iTunes for Windows.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, 9to5Mac reports Apple is testing Music and Podcasts apps for Microsoft platforms as part of a closed beta process. The apps could make their way to the Microsoft Store later this year.
While not revealed in the report, Apple could be working on an iTunes replacement for Windows. The once-ubiquitous -- and bloated -- media management hub was split into distinct apps and system services with the introduction of macOS Catalina, but remains intact on Microsoft's operating system.
Job listings in 2019 hinted that Apple is working on standalone media apps for Windows, a natural expansion for subscription services like Apple Music and Apple TV+. At the time, Apple was seeking engineers with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) experience. The API, introduced alongside Windows 10, allows developers to write and deploy software for use on Windows 10, Xbox One and HoloLens.
Apple most recently released Apple TV+ for Xbox consoles in November, a move that coincided with availability on Sony's latest PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
If Apple chooses to replace iTunes for Windows with standalone Apple Music and Podcasts apps, iPhone users without access to a Mac will need new means of syncing and backing up their device to a host computer. On Mac, those duties are now in the domain of Finder.