 | |
| Developer(s) | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | September 9, 2009 (2009-09-09) |
| Website | www |
iTunes LP (referred to in pre-launch press by the code name Cocktail) is a format for interactive album artwork introduced by Apple Inc. on September 9, 2009.[1][2] It is similar to the CMX format being developed by the three major record labels, and operates within the iTunes 9 to iTunes 12 software, allowing the user to view multimedia elements alongside the music. This format is also used to bundle extra content (known as iTunes Extras) with selected movies at the iTunes Store.[3][4]
iTunes LP downloads use a proprietary file format with the extension .itlp, which is essentially a WebArchive adhering to special conventions using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CSS Animations, and plists.[5] This technology is referred to in iTunes LP files as TuneKit.[4][6] On November 28, 2009, the iTunes LP SDK was released to the public.[7]
In 2011, MTV introduced the O Music Awards, intended artists, fans, and innovators at this online awards show. One of the OMAs' inaugural categories was Best iTunes LP.[8] The winner of this category was Pink's Greatest Hits...So Far!!! (Deluxe Edition).[9]
Apple stopped accepting new submissions of iTunes LPs after March 2018. Existing LPs will be deprecated from the store during the remainder of 2018. Customers who have previously purchased an album containing an iTunes LP will still be able to download the additional content using iTunes Match.[10]
