Skip to main content

Many (most?) iTunes song previews have reverted back to 30 seconds – likely glitch

30

MacRumors notes that many iTunes song previews have reverted back to 30 seconds. Previews were increased to 90 seconds in the U.S. back in 2010 with the increased time rolled out internationally the following year.

It’s not immediately clear what is behind the change, nor what is determining which tracks are affected, but as we’re finding different people are seeing different length previews for the same tracks – even when both are in the same country – some kind of glitch may be the most likely explanation.

Apple apparently presented labels with a fait-accompli when it first extended previews to 90 seconds, writing to representatives to advise them of the change, rather than specifically seeking agreement.

itunes

Some labels objected to this, with extended previews delayed for some albums.

We’ve contacted Apple to ask for a statement, and will update if and when we get a response.

On the topic of iTunes, Germany is now seeing Rotten Tomatoes ratings with some movies, along with a new price button in the status window while previewing music or films.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. magus418 - 10 years ago

    Reblogged this on sea-swoon and commented:
    annoying

  2. Bruno Fernandes (@Linkb8) - 10 years ago

    Wow, that’s one humdinger of a headline. Do you kiss your mother with that mouth? :)

    How about this for a headline?

    Potential Glitch Reverts iTunes Previews to 30 Seconds.

  3. Glitch? I’m not a software engineer, but how would that even happen? Accidentally paste in code from 2005?

  4. rettun1 - 10 years ago

    Searched the store on my iPhone for a few minutes and found only 90 second previews

    • Neiihn (@Neiihn) - 10 years ago

      Yeah it was a glitch because the same songs I seen yesterday that were only 30 second previews today are 90 second previews. So something happened on Apples side that reduced the preview time.

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear