New iTunes combines social media, iCloud and Spotify features

The iPhone 5 and Apple’s range of iPods may not have undergone revolutionary changes, but iTunes received an overhaul. ITunes 11, out in October, will have a simpler interface and work in tandem with iCloud, the Associated Press reports.

An ‘Up Next’ feature, a la Spotify, and a stronger emphasis on album art are some of the key differences, reports TechCrunch. Search functionality is also better in the new version of iTunes.

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Apple also confirms that it will shut down Ping, the social network that was part of iTunes, on Sept. 30. PCMag reports that iTunes 11 will have more social media features instead, such as ‘liking’ songs and using Facebook and Twitter to share music purchases.