If you’re the proud owner of a first-generation Apple TV or a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, you’ll see the iTunes Store stop working for you in May. Users of these devices will be unable to access or re-download content from the iTunes Store.
A new Apple support document says the shutdown is a result of “security changes”:
About iTunes Store availability
On May 25, 2018, Apple will introduce security changes that prevent Windows XP or Vista PCs and Apple TV (1st generation) from using the iTunes Store.
Windows XP or Vista PCs
Starting May 25, Apple will introduce security changes that prevent older Windows PCs from using the iTunes Store. If you have Windows XP or Vista PC, your computer is no longer supported by Microsoft, and you’re not able to use the latest version of iTunes.
You can continue to use previous versions of iTunes on your Windows PC without support from Apple. However, you won’t be able to make new purchases from the iTunes Store or redownload previous purchases on that computer.
After May 25, you’ll need to use Windows 7 or later with the latest version of iTunes to make purchases from the iTunes Store and redownload previous purchases.
The latest version of iTunes is available for PCs running Windows 7 or later. Download the latest version at apple.com/itunes.
Apple TV (1st generation)
Also beginning May 25, security changes will prevent Apple TV (1st generation) from using the iTunes Store. This device is an obsolete Apple product and will not be updated to support these security changes.
After the changes, you’ll only be able to access the iTunes Store on Apple TV (2nd generation) or later.
Apple TV owners will be forced to purchase newer hardware. Windows XP and Vista users can update to Windows 7 or later to continue downloading iTunes content. Of course, their machines will need to meet the required specs for the newer versions of Windows.
Apple says the first-gen Apple TV is an obsolete product, meaning they no longer provide support or repairs for the device. They also note Windows XP and Vista are no longer supported by Microsoft.
MacRumors reports first-generation ATV owners are receiving emails about the issue.
