Apple is in the process of discontinuing its long-standing iTunes Movie Trailers app, according to recent reports from MacRumors.
The app, which has been available for over a decade, allows users to watch movie trailers, previews, and access showtimes for theaters. However, Apple is not leaving the realm of trailer screening behind; instead, the app’s functionality will be integrated into the Apple TV app.
A banner displayed atop the Movie Trailers app and the classic iTunes Movie Trailers website announces the change: “Apple TV app is the new home of iTunes Movie Trailers.” MacRumors indicates that this banner was first observed on August 9th. The move suggests that Apple seeks to streamline its offerings and consolidate trailer content within its broader entertainment ecosystem.
Apple’s new approach is evident in the appearance of a “Movie and TV Trailers” section within the Store menu of the Apple TV app. This section, though slightly concealed and requiring some scrolling within the menu, presents a venue for users to access trailers in a more integrated manner.
Curiously, the classic Movie Trailers app is still available on Apple TV, also displaying the transition banner, implying that these apps may not remain functional for much longer.
Limited functionality
The iTunes Movie Trailers app has demonstrated its age through its outdated design and limited functionality. With some design elements reminiscent of older Apple software and issues with readability in dark mode, the app’s interface feels dated.
Originally launched in 2011, the app was an evolution of Apple’s Quicktime Movie Trailers website, popular in the Y2K era. This website was renowned for offering high-quality trailers before YouTube’s rise, which made video playback in browsers more accessible.
The app has served users as a means to access movie showtimes, but this feature has suffered glitches over time. For instance, the app does not always display all the films screened at local theaters.
As Apple transitions its trailer content to the Apple TV app, its effectiveness in providing accurate and comprehensive showtime information remains to be seen. While Apple navigates this shift, enthusiasts and moviegoers are eager to witness the future of trailer content consumption within the company’s expanding entertainment landscape.
