Apple iTunes overhaul

Apple plans an overhaul of iTunes that would mark one of the largest changes to the world’s biggest music store since its 2003 debut, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.

Apple will unveil the changes by the end of the year, said the sources.

The world’s gadget leader, run by CEO Tim Cook, will more closely integrate its iCloud file-storage service with iTunes so users can more seamlessly access and manage their music, videos and downloaded software apps across different Apple gadgets, the people said.

Apple also plans more features for sharing music.

ITunes has been critical to Apple’s success over the past nine years, generating revenue of almost $1.9 billion last quarter alone.

Tom Neumayr, a spokesman for Cupertino, Calif. company, declined to comment.