Below is a breakdown of where every iTunes feature lives now:
iTunes was first introduced in 2001 as a media player and library for Mac users. Over the years, it has undergone numerous transformations, evolving into a comprehensive media management platform that integrates music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and even mobile device management. With the rise of streaming services like Apple Music, iTunes has adapted to the changing music landscape, offering users a seamless listening experience.
If you have a massive, meticulously organized iTunes library, upgrading to Big Sur will not destroy it. Upon upgrading, macOS automatically migrates your library to the new Music app. Your playlists, ratings, and song files will remain intact. Music files are generally located in ~/Music/Music/ . Alternatives to iTunes on macOS Big Sur
: Used for watching movies and TV shows, including your past purchases.
Any video content you previously purchased through iTunes, along with your personal home videos, is located in the app. itunes macos big sur 117
When you open the on macOS Big Sur, you will find your entire local music library, playlists, and smart playlists intact.
When you upgraded to Big Sur, your iTunes library was not deleted; it was migrated.
While the app iTunes is gone, the still exists for purchasing music, movies, and TV shows.
To : Click through the tabs at the top (Music, Movies, TV Shows, Books) to select what specific content you want to transfer to your device, then click Apply in the bottom right corner. Can You Force iTunes to Run on macOS Big Sur 11.7? Below is a breakdown of where every iTunes
If you are looking to manage your media, skip the hassle of trying to reinstall old software. Embrace the Finder and native Music apps—they offer the exact same utility, optimized natively for your Big Sur operating system.
When you upgrade from Mojave (or earlier) to Big Sur 11.7, Apple ensures your content moves over automatically. However, if you have manually managed iTunes libraries on an external drive or need to access an older library:
When you upgrade to macOS Big Sur, iTunes is removed and cannot be reinstalled from the App Store. Apple’s architecture shift means that:
Manages your podcast subscriptions and downloaded episodes. If you have a massive, meticulously organized iTunes
. Apple discontinued it with the release of macOS Catalina in 2019, splitting its features into three distinct applications and shifting device management elsewhere. 1. Where iTunes Functions Went
It supports MP3, AAC, AIFF, and Apple Lossless. It also handles legacy iPods (iPod Classic, Nano, Shuffle) via the Finder, while the Music app manages the music library itself. B. Finder for Device Management To sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod on Big Sur: Connect your device via USB. Open Finder . Look for your device in the Sidebar under "Locations."
Note: If you choose to use Retroactive, ensure you download it from a verified GitHub repository and back up your Mac via Time Machine before installing. Troubleshooting Common Issues