How to update iTunes on a Mac to the latest version

In 2019, Apple discontinued iTunes and replaced it with separate apps. On modern macOS versions (Catalina and later), iTunes no longer exists as a standalone app. Instead, Apple replaced iTunes for Mac with Music, Apple TV, Apple Books, and Apple Podcasts, which together handle the media library and store functions that used to live inside iTunes.

Updating these apps is the modern equivalent of updating iTunes for Mac, and I’ll show you how.

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Update iTunes within the app

There are several ways to refresh iTunes. The fastest is right inside the app.

On a Mac that still has iTunes (macOS Mojave or earlier):

1. Open iTunes.

2. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click Help.

3. Choose Check for Updates.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update.

Check the App Store for updates

On newer versions of macOS, iTunes has been replaced by the Music app, which is updated automatically with regular macOS and App Store updates.

To update iTunes manually via App Store: 

1. Open the App Store.

2. Go to the Updates tab, and click Update for the iTunes or macOS updates you see. 

3. If no iTunes update appears, your version is likely already up to date for that macOS release.

Download the update from Apple’s website

Apple no longer offers standalone iTunes installers, so downloading an update directly from the website is no longer an option.

To keep iTunes or its replacement apps up to date, Apple now requires updating macOS itself. Installing the latest macOS version automatically updates Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, and Finder’s device-syncing tools — the modern equivalents of iTunes.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to update macOS the right way.

Read also:

• Create Change and Delete Apple Id on Your Mac

• Pick The Best iCloud Storage Plan for You

• Backup iPhone to Mac

Automatically sync Mac, iPhone, and Android

Keeping your library in sync is the easiest way to protect it. To sync up your files: 

• Create a backup

• Transfer files to an external hard drive

• Directly create a link between your computer and device, manually moving the files

Tools like AnyTrans for iOS from Setapp can automate the process, letting you transfer music, photos, and other files across your devices without the extra work.

To sync files between Apple devices:

1. Install and open AnyTrans for iOS.

2. Connect your iOS device to your Mac with a USB-C cable.

3. When connected, click the Backup Manager tab.

4. Click Back Up Now and follow the instructions.

While AnyTrans works great for transferring files between iOS and macOS, its counterpart, AnyDroid, helps you manage your Android content with the same ease. Move files from Android phone to iPhone or iPad, from Android to Android, from Android to Mac, and vice versa.

Is iTunes still available on macOS Catalina or later?

No. Starting with macOS Catalina (10.15), Apple retired iTunes in favor of separate apps like Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. So all former iTunes features now live inside these updated apps.

Why should I update iTunes on my Mac?

Keeping iTunes up to date ensures you have the most stable, compatible version available for your macOS. 

On older Macs that still use iTunes, updates fix bugs, improve syncing, and keep your media library running smoothly. If you’re on macOS Catalina or later, iTunes no longer exists. Apple replaced it with Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts, which update automatically through macOS. 

Updating your system is the modern way to keep all former iTunes features current.

Update iTunes on Mac: Final words 

iTunes on Mac no longer exists on modern devices, so keeping your media tools up to date simply means updating macOS. On older systems that still have iTunes, you can update it through the app or the App Store, but the newest supported version is 12.8.3. 

For seamless syncing and backups across Apple devices (or when connecting Android to your Mac), apps like AnyTransfor iOS and AnyDroid offer an easier, more reliable workflow.

Both AnyTrans and AnyDroid are available with a free week-long trial through Setapp, which lets you try over 260 Mac and iPhone apps under one subscription. It’s a great way to explore different tools and find the best match for your needs.