iTunes comes built into macOS on older Macs, but newer ones use the Music app instead

If you own a Mac running macOS Catalina (released in 2019) or newer, iTunes no longer exists as a separate program. Apple split it into three apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV. If you're looking to play music, buy songs, or sync an iPhone, you'll use the Music app instead, which works the same way iTunes did.

If you have an older Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, iTunes is already on your computer. Open Spotlight (press Command + Space), type "iTunes", and press Enter. If you somehow deleted it, you can reinstall it from the App Store.

The confusion usually comes from people expecting iTunes to look and work exactly as it did years ago. It hasn't disappeared — it's been reorganized into apps that do one thing each instead of one app that tried to do everything.

Key Takeaways

  • macOS Catalina and newer use the Music app instead of iTunes for playing and buying music.
  • Older Macs running Mojave or earlier have iTunes already installed and ready to use.
  • If you deleted iTunes from an older Mac, you can reinstall it free from the App Store.
  • The Music app on newer Macs handles everything iTunes used to do for music and syncing.

Check which version of macOS you have

Before you do anything, find out what operating system your Mac is running. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select "About This Mac". Look for the line that says "System Version" — it will show something like "macOS Sonoma 14.1" or "macOS Monterey 12.3".

Write down the name (Sonoma, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.) and the number. This tells you whether iTunes exists on your Mac or whether you need to use Music instead.

If you have macOS Catalina or newer: use the Music app

The Music app is already on your Mac. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Music", and press Enter. The app will open immediately. You can also find it in your Applications folder: open Finder, click Applications in the sidebar, and double-click Music.

The Music app does what iTunes did for music: you can browse the Apple Music catalog, buy individual songs or albums, create playlists, and sync music to your iPhone or iPad. If you had an iTunes library on an older Mac, your music automatically moved to the Music app when you upgraded macOS.

If you need to manage podcasts, open the Podcasts app the same way. For TV shows and movies, use the TV app. Each one is simpler than iTunes was because it focuses on one job.

If you have macOS Mojave or earlier: iTunes is already there

Your Mac came with iTunes installed. Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "iTunes", and press Enter. The app will launch. You can also find it in Applications > iTunes.

iTunes on older Macs works the way most people remember it: one app that handles music, podcasts, movies, and syncing devices. If you use an iPhone or iPad, iTunes is how you back up and restore your device on your Mac.

Reinstalling iTunes if you deleted it

If you're on Mojave or earlier and iTunes is missing, you can get it back from the App Store without paying. Open the App Store (it's in your Applications folder or in Spotlight), search for "iTunes", and click the Get button. The app will download and install automatically.

The download is large — around 200 MB — so it may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, iTunes will appear in your Applications folder and in Spotlight.

What to do if you're upgrading from an older Mac

If you're moving from a Mac with iTunes to a newer Mac with the Music app, your library comes with you. When you set up your new Mac and sign in with your Apple ID, your music, playlists, and purchase history automatically appear in the Music app.

You don't need to download anything or move files manually. Just make sure you're signed in with the same Apple ID on both Macs, and the Music app will sync your library across them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use iTunes on a new Mac?

No. macOS Catalina removed iTunes entirely and replaced it with Music, Podcasts, and TV. If you upgrade to Catalina or newer, iTunes will no longer work. You'll use the Music app for everything iTunes did for music.

Will my iTunes library transfer to the Music app?

Yes. When you upgrade macOS on the same Mac, your entire iTunes library — songs, playlists, ratings, and play counts — automatically moves to the Music app. You don't have to do anything.

How do I sync my iPhone if I don't have iTunes?

On newer Macs, connect your iPhone and open the Music app. Your device appears in the sidebar. You can sync music, podcasts, and other content the same way you did in iTunes. You can also use iCloud to sync wirelessly without plugging in your phone.

Is the Music app free?

Yes. The Music app comes with macOS and costs nothing. You can play music you own, create playlists, and browse Apple Music for free (though buying songs or subscribing to Apple Music costs money, just like iTunes did).

What if I'm on an even older Mac than Mojave?

iTunes is already installed. Open Spotlight, type "iTunes", and press Enter. If you're running something older than Mojave and iTunes is missing, you can reinstall it from the App Store the same way — search for iTunes and click Get.