iTunes vs. Apple Music — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 10, 2023
iTunes is a media player and store, while Apple Music is a streaming service. iTunes and Apple Music are both products developed by Apple.
Difference Between iTunes and Apple Music
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
While iTunes has historically been a platform for purchasing and organizing digital media, Apple Music focuses specifically on streaming music and curated playlists.
iTunes is known for its vast library where users can buy and download songs, albums, movies, and TV shows. Apple Music, on the other hand, offers subscribers access to millions of tracks that can be streamed without purchasing individually.
Many people originally became familiar with iTunes as software that allowed them to manage their digital media libraries on iPods and iPhones. Apple Music emerged later as Apple's answer to popular streaming services, providing a robust selection of music and even exclusive releases.
iTunes also serves as a backup and sync medium for Apple devices. Apple Music, while available on these devices, is primarily recognized for its streaming capabilities and its integration with Siri for voice-controlled music commands.
Over time, Apple has worked to streamline both services. As of macOS Catalina, iTunes was replaced with separate apps for Music, TV, and Podcasts, but the iTunes Store still exists within the Music app. Apple Music, meanwhile, continues to grow and expand its features and music library.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Media player and digital store
Streaming music service
Media Ownership
Users purchase and own content
Users stream content without owning
Integration with Devices
Used for syncing and backing up Apple devices
Streaming available on various devices
Exclusive Content
Occasional exclusive releases for purchase
Regular exclusive releases for subscribers
Historical Role
Digital media hub for iPods and early iPhones
Apple's answer to other major music streamers
Compare with Definitions
iTunes
A digital media player software by Apple.
I used iTunes to organize my song collection.
Apple Music
A platform with curated playlists and radio stations.
My favorite workout playlist is on Apple Music.
iTunes
A platform for purchasing digital music, movies, and TV shows.
She bought the latest album on iTunes.
Apple Music
A competitor to other major music streaming platforms.
I switched from another service to Apple Music because of its exclusive content.
iTunes
The predecessor to Apple's separate Music, TV, and Podcast apps on macOS Catalina and later.
I miss the days when everything was in iTunes, instead of separate apps.
Apple Music
A service integrated with Siri for voice-controlled commands.
I asked Siri to play the top hits on Apple Music.
iTunes
A service that ushered in the era of legal digital music downloads.
ITunes revolutionized the way we buy music online.
Apple Music
Apple's streaming service offering millions of songs.
I discovered a new band on Apple Music.
iTunes
A software used for backing up and syncing Apple devices.
I need to connect my iPhone to iTunes to backup my data.
Apple Music
Apple's successor to the iTunes streaming functionalities.
When Apple Music launched, I transitioned from buying on iTunes to streaming.
Common Curiosities
Is iTunes only for music?
No, iTunes is for music, movies, TV shows, and more.
Are there exclusive releases on Apple Music?
Yes, Apple Music often has exclusive releases or early premieres.
Is iTunes available on Windows?
Yes, iTunes is available for both Mac and Windows computers.
What is iTunes primarily known for?
iTunes is primarily known as a media player and digital store for purchasing content.
Is Apple Music free?
No, Apple Music requires a monthly subscription, though it often has free trial periods.
Can I still buy songs on iTunes if I have Apple Music?
Yes, iTunes Store still allows purchases of individual songs, even if you're subscribed to Apple Music.
How do I backup my iPhone using iTunes?
Connect your iPhone to a computer, open iTunes, and choose 'Backup Now' from the device summary page.
Can I use Apple Music on an Android device?
Yes, Apple Music has an app available for Android devices.
Can I share my iTunes purchases with my family?
Yes, using Apple's Family Sharing, you can share purchases with up to six family members.
Does Apple Music offer student discounts?
Yes, Apple Music offers a discounted rate for verified students.
Will iTunes be phased out by Apple?
As of macOS Catalina, iTunes was split into separate apps, but the iTunes Store still exists within the Music app.
Can I burn a CD from iTunes?
Yes, you can create and burn CDs from your purchased iTunes content.
How do I cancel my Apple Music subscription?
You can cancel it through your Apple ID subscription settings.
What's the difference between Apple Music and the music I buy on iTunes?
With Apple Music, you stream songs without owning them, while on iTunes, you purchase and own the content.
Can I download songs for offline listening on Apple Music?
Yes, subscribers can download songs for offline playback on Apple Music.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
