Apple executives are now live on stage at the Yerba Buena Arts Center in California, where the company just began discussing a few big updates to iTunes and the App Store.

“Let’s talk about iTunes. It’s the #1 music store in the world…I’m happy to report that the store is available in 63 countries around the world,” announced Apple Internet Software and Services Senior Vice President Eddy Cue. “But over the last couple of years there’s been a trend; more than two-thirds of downloads come from iOS.”

New App Store design for iOS devices:

  • Facebook “Likes” integrated
  • Preview while browsing
  • Improved performance, search results
  • Complete redesign

New iTunes:

  • “Dramatically simplified”
  • Click on an album and it expands in place
  • New “in the store” feature so users can see top songs and albums
  • Browse library by artist
  • Artist has the ability to share photos with users in their library
  • Split screen view to see full library when adding songs to playlists
  • New mini-player design—allows users to manage playlists and upcoming songs
  • iCloud built-in
  • Get more details at Apple’s website.

So…iOS 6 roll outs Sept. 19, but the new iTunes is available in late October.

A full gallery is below.

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