In late 2019, Apple began hiring a team of software engineers to build “the next generation of media apps for Windows.” The team has so far released an Apple TV app for the Xbox. Now, a report by 9to5Mac says the team is now working to bring Apple Music and Podcasts apps to the Microsoft Store, for release later this year.
The publication says its sources tell it that Apple has been testing both Music and Podcasts apps for Microsoft platforms in a private beta. At this point, it isn’t certain whether the apps will be available only on the Xbox platform, or will also be available for Windows 10.
Apple’s job listing for Windows software engineers said experience with UWP was a “big plus.” “UWP” is the Universal Windows Platform, which means Apple was looking to create apps that work on both the Windows 10 and Xbox platforms.
Last year, the first reports of Apple’s plans to launch the Apple TV app on the Microsoft Store were posted in September, and the app was officially released two months later in November. We may see a similar schedule for the Music and Podcasts apps.