Apple has announced that it will be discontinuing iTunes U and iBooks Author. iBooks Author will be transitioned to Pages and will no longer be updated.
Apple is discontinuing iTunes U by the end of 2021, and it will no longer function after this date. You can see more details from Apple on this below.
iBooks Author will no longer be updated, and it won’t be available to new users as of July 1, 2020. If you’ve previously downloaded the app, you can still access it from your App Store purchase history. You can continue to use iBooks Author on macOS 10.15 and earlier, and books previously published to Apple Books from iBooks Author will remain available.
Transition to Pages
The transition of iBooks Author to Pages is a significant move by Apple. Pages, part of Apple’s iWork suite, is a versatile word processing and page layout application. By integrating iBooks Author’s features into Pages, Apple aims to streamline its software offerings and provide a more unified experience for users. This transition means that users will be able to create interactive books and other content directly within Pages, leveraging its robust set of tools and features.
For educators and authors who have relied on iBooks Author, this transition may require some adjustment. However, Apple has assured users that they will continue to support the creation and publication of books through Pages. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to simplify its software ecosystem and focus on fewer, more powerful applications.
Impact on Educators and Content Creators
The discontinuation of iTunes U and iBooks Author will have a notable impact on educators and content creators. iTunes U has been a valuable resource for educators, providing a platform to distribute educational content, including lectures, assignments, and other course materials. With its discontinuation, educators will need to find alternative platforms to share their content.
Apple has suggested that educators transition to using the Apple Schoolwork app and the Classroom app, which offer similar functionalities. These apps are designed to help teachers manage their classrooms and distribute assignments, making them suitable replacements for iTunes U. Additionally, Apple encourages educators to use Apple Books for distributing educational content, leveraging the capabilities of Pages to create interactive and engaging materials.
For authors who have used iBooks Author to create and publish books, the transition to Pages will require some adaptation. However, Pages offers a range of powerful tools for creating rich, multimedia content, and Apple has provided resources to help authors make the switch. By consolidating its software offerings, Apple aims to provide a more cohesive and efficient experience for users.
You can find out more details about what is happening with iTunes U and iBooks Author over at Apple at the link below.
Source Apple, 9 to 5 Mac, Techmeme
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