---
id: itunes
title: "iTunes Store"
year: 2003
category: "Ideas"
lang: en
canonical: https://nodemusic.cc/node/itunes
source: node.music
---

# iTunes Store (2003)

Ideas · https://nodemusic.cc/node/itunes

## Summary

Apple broke the old model. Buying tracks individually and instant delivery killed the album format and legalized the digital revolution.

## Full text

The Apple iTunes Store legalized digital music. The price of 99 cents per track finally cemented the consumption model of singles rather than albums.

Together with the iPod, this led to 'shuffle culture.' The author's context disappeared; music became a personal playlist, background for life. It was the victory of the database over the narrative, forever changing how we listen to music.

## Connections

### Influenced by

- [Napster / MP3](https://nodemusic.cc/node/napster.md) - EVOLVED

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes_Store