When Apple released iOS 8.4 and Apple Music recently, the company also removed the ability for Music Home Sharing for iOS devices. This change came as a surprise to many users who had grown accustomed to the convenience of sharing their music libraries across multiple devices within their household.
Temporary Removal of Music Home Sharing
Now it would appear that this is temporary as Apple has confirmed that Music Home Sharing will be returning to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with iOS 9. This announcement has provided relief to many users who rely on this feature to enjoy their music seamlessly across different devices.
The news was confirmed by Apple’s Eddie Cue on Twitter. You can see the tweet below which confirms that the feature will return in iOS 9.
@inklake We are working to have Home Sharing in iOS 9.
— Eddy Cue (@cue) July 6, 2015
Speculations and Possible Reasons
As yet, there are no details on why the feature was removed from the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with the release of iOS 8.4. It could be something to do with licensing issues, as Apple Music involves complex agreements with various music labels and artists. Licensing constraints often lead to temporary removal or modification of features until agreements are renegotiated or technical adjustments are made.
Another possible reason could be technical improvements. Apple might be working on enhancing the Home Sharing feature to make it more robust and compatible with the new Apple Music service. Integrating a new service like Apple Music with existing features can sometimes lead to temporary disruptions as the company ensures a seamless user experience.
Impact on Users and Future Expectations
The temporary removal of Music Home Sharing has certainly impacted users who have built their music listening habits around this feature. For instance, families who use multiple Apple devices to access a shared music library have had to find alternative solutions or wait for the feature’s return. This disruption highlights the importance of Home Sharing in maintaining a cohesive Apple ecosystem.
Looking forward, users can expect a more integrated and possibly enhanced Home Sharing experience with the release of iOS 9. Apple has a history of listening to user feedback and making necessary adjustments to improve their services. The return of Home Sharing will likely come with improvements that align with the new functionalities introduced by Apple Music.
In conclusion, while the removal of Music Home Sharing in iOS 8.4 was an unexpected inconvenience, Apple’s commitment to bringing it back in iOS 9 is a positive development. Users can look forward to a more integrated and possibly enhanced music sharing experience in the near future.
Source Eddie Cue / Twitter
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