GoKawiilPop stars revive iTunes Store with exclusive releases
According to the Financial Times, artists including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Summer Walker and Doja Cat have been using the long-dormant iTunes Store to release exclusive songs and albums. Grande's surprise iTunes-only live version of Petal reportedly pushed the album from number 15 to number 6 on the charts, while Swift's Life of a Showgirl sold better through physical and digital purchases than streaming in its first US week.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The trend suggests some artists see direct digital sales as a way to boost chart performance and reward superfans in ways streaming numbers don't capture. Apple reportedly continues marketing iTunes to record labels, which could indicate the company sees a niche role for purchased music even as streaming dominates listening habits overall.
- iTunes exclusives have helped several pop stars improve chart positions
- Taylor Swift's latest album outsold its streaming performance via digital and physical formats
- Apple is reportedly still pitching iTunes as a release option to music labels
Apple iPod touch (7th generation) — If you're diving back into iTunes-exclusive drops from artists like Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, an iPod touch is a nostalgic yet genuinely useful way to carry and play purchased tracks offline. It keeps your downloaded iTunes library portable without relying on streaming apps, perfect for superfans chasing exclusive releases.”,
See Apple iPod touch (7th generation) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Ben Lovejoy, 2026-10-26
Published there as: “Some 27 years later, the iTunes Store is making an unlikely come-back”
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