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How To Open iTunes on a MacBook: A Definitive Guide

The million-dollar question, succinctly answered: On modern macOS versions (Catalina and later), iTunes no longer exists as a standalone application. Its functionalities have been dispersed into dedicated apps like Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV, while device syncing and management are handled through the Finder.

The iTunes Era: A Fond Farewell (But Not Really Gone)

For those of us who remember meticulously curating playlists in iTunes, the transition can feel a bit jarring. But fear not, my friends! While the name iTunes is gone, its spirit lives on within the very fabric of your MacBook. Apple, in its infinite wisdom, simply decided to compartmentalize its media empire. Think of it as iTunes graduating from a one-stop shop to a series of specialized boutiques.

Modern macOS: Embrace the Apps

Music App: This is your new iTunes for music. It handles your local music library, Apple Music subscription, and the iTunes Store for purchasing songs and albums. You’ll find all your playlists, meticulously crafted over the years, migrated seamlessly here.
Podcasts App: Guess what this does? Yes, it’s where you’ll manage and listen to your favorite podcasts. It’s a dedicated space for audio enlightenment.
Apple TV App: For movies and TV shows, both purchased from the iTunes Store and streamed via Apple TV+.
Finder (for Device Management): This is the key to syncing your iPhone or iPad. When you connect your device to your MacBook, it will appear in the Finder sidebar, allowing you to back up, update software, and manage content.

Opening the Relevant App

The process is straightforward:

Locate the App Icon: Use Launchpad, the Dock, or Spotlight Search (Command + Spacebar) to find the app you need: Music, Podcasts, or Apple TV.
Click the Icon: Simply click the icon to launch the application.

How to Access Your Old iTunes Library?

The good news is that your iTunes library automatically migrates to the Music app upon updating to a newer macOS. All your songs, playlists, ratings, and other metadata should be waiting for you, just as you left them.

Still Clinging to an Older macOS?

If you’re running an older macOS version (Mojave or earlier), iTunes will still be present in its full, glorious form. You can open it just as you always have:

Locate the iTunes Icon: Find the iTunes icon in your Dock, Applications folder, or via Spotlight Search.
Click the Icon: A single click will launch iTunes.

FAQs: iTunes on Your MacBook Explained

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the post-iTunes landscape:

FAQ 1: What happened to iTunes after the macOS Catalina update?

iTunes was discontinued as a standalone app. Its functionalities were split into the Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV apps, with device management being integrated into the Finder.

FAQ 2: Where do I manage my iPhone or iPad backups now?

iPhone or iPad backups are managed within the Finder after connecting your device to your MacBook via USB. You’ll see your device in the Finder sidebar.

FAQ 3: Can I still buy music from the iTunes Store?

Yes, you can still purchase music from the iTunes Store through the Music app. The iTunes Store is integrated within the app.

FAQ 4: How do I transfer music from my computer to my iPhone now?

You can transfer music from your computer to your iPhone using the Finder. Connect your iPhone, select it in the Finder sidebar, and then manage your music syncing options within the “Music” tab.

FAQ 5: I can’t find the iTunes icon. Where did it go?

If you’re on macOS Catalina or later, the iTunes icon is gone. Look for the Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV apps instead. If you’re on an older version, use Spotlight Search to locate iTunes.

FAQ 6: Will I lose my playlists when I update to a newer macOS?

No, your playlists are automatically migrated to the Music app when you update your macOS.

FAQ 7: How do I update my iPhone software using my MacBook?

Connect your iPhone to your MacBook, select it in the Finder, and click on the “General” tab. You will see an option to “Check for Update” and update your iPhone’s software.

FAQ 8: Is there a way to get iTunes back on a newer macOS?

Officially, no. Apple doesn’t support running the full iTunes application on Catalina or later. However, some users have attempted to use older macOS versions in virtual machines to run iTunes, but this is a complex and unsupported workaround. It’s generally best to embrace the new apps.

FAQ 9: I prefer the old iTunes interface. Are there alternative music management programs?

Yes, there are many alternative music management programs available for macOS. Some popular options include Vox, Audirvana, and Clementine. These offer different interfaces and features that might suit your preferences.

FAQ 10: How do I redeem an iTunes gift card now?

You can redeem an iTunes gift card in the Music app. Open the Music app, go to “Account” in the menu bar, and select “Redeem Gift Card or Code.”

FAQ 11: What if my music library didn’t migrate properly?

First, ensure you’re signed in to the same Apple ID you used with iTunes. If that doesn’t work, try rebuilding your Music library. In the Music app, hold down the Option key while launching the app. This will give you options to choose or create a library.

FAQ 12: Is it possible to sync my iPod Classic with my MacBook?

Yes, you can still sync your iPod Classic (and other older iPods) with your MacBook using the Finder in newer macOS versions. Connect your iPod, and it should appear in the Finder sidebar, allowing you to manage its content. However, functionality might be limited compared to the iTunes era.