The Verge:
Apple has confirmed to The Verge that it will stop taking new iTunes LP submissions as of this month. The format, which was launched in 2009, was a way for users to buy albums with bundled elements, like videos, liner notes, or bonus tracks.
While iTunes LP submissions will end this month, existing iTunes LPs will not be depreciated. Not only will these iTunes LPs continue to be available, but users will still be able to download any previous or new purchases of iTunes LPs at any time via iTunes.
Raise your hand if you’d forgotten this even existed.
Can’t say I ever availed myself of the benefit, apart from a freebie or two. But I’m sad to see the loss of liner notes, in any form.
I’ve never been enticed by any of these “benefits”. I want the album/movie proper, no more no less. The detritus surrounding them adds nothing for me.
I thought this was so cool when it launched, as I missed lying down on the floor as a kid an pouring over an LP cover and liner. However, as you suggested, I had long forgotten it even existed having happily moved to streaming and AppleMusic.
I think record companies forgot about it around a month after it was released. Wasted opportunity.
U2 – Songs of Innocence w/ Digital Booklet
(Remember that free album many received?)