In macOS Big Sur 11.7, iTunes does not exist as a standalone application.
Starting with macOS Catalina (10.15) and continuing through Big Sur, Apple retired the all-in-one iTunes app and split its functionality into several dedicated apps. If you are looking for your music library, movie collection, or device management tools on Big Sur 11.7, here is where to find them: 1. Where Your Content Went
The features formerly found in iTunes are now organized into three primary media apps:
Apple Music App: This is where you find your music library, your imported MP3s, and the Apple Music streaming service.
Apple TV App: This houses your purchased movies, TV shows, and the Apple TV+ subscription service.
Apple Podcasts App: All your subscribed podcasts and downloaded episodes are located here. 2. Managing iPhone, iPad, or iPod itunes macos big sur 117
If you used iTunes to back up your phone or sync files, you now use the Finder. Connect your device to your Mac using a USB cable. Open Finder (the smiley face icon in your Dock).
Look for your device's name in the Sidebar under "Locations."
Click on the device to see a dashboard identical to the old iTunes interface, where you can perform backups, updates, and manual syncing. 3. Purchasing from the iTunes Store
The Store hasn't disappeared; it's just integrated into the new apps:
To buy songs, open the Music app, click "Music" in the top menu bar, go to Preferences, and ensure "iTunes Store" is checked under the General tab. It will then appear in your sidebar. In macOS Big Sur 11
To buy or rent movies, use the Store tab within the Apple TV app. 4. Why You Can't "Download" iTunes
If you attempt to download an iTunes installer from Apple Support, it will likely give you an error message stating that the software is incompatible. This is because Big Sur 11.7 has the "successor" apps built into the operating system. 5. Troubleshooting Tips for 11.7
Missing Library: If your music didn't migrate, hold the Option key while opening the Music app and select "Choose Library" to point it to your old iTunes folder.
Software Updates: Since 11.7 is an older version of macOS, ensure your media apps are up to date by checking System Preferences > Software Update. Upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple
Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find macOS Big Sur. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions. Upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple White Paper Title: The Silent Existential Crisis: Analyzing
Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find macOS Big Sur. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions.
White Paper
Title: The Silent Existential Crisis: Analyzing iTunes Functionality and Versioning Anomalies on macOS Big Sur (v1.1.7)
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Software Compatibility, Legacy Support, and App Store Architecture
Running iTunes 1.1.7 on macOS Big Sur presents a stable, albeit limited, security profile. Because the application is essentially a web-view wrapper for the iTunes Store and App Store, it relies on the underlying WebKit frameworks of macOS Big Sur. However, as macOS updates to newer versions (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma), the support for this specific 1.1.7 architecture evolves. Users on Big Sur should ensure their OS is updated to the latest security patch (macOS 11.7.x) to ensure the embedded store components function correctly.
The last version of iTunes that worked on macOS Catalina (10.15) was 12.10.11. Users often mis-type this as "12.10.11.7" or "117." If you successfully hacked iTunes onto Big Sur, you would need this specific build. We do not recommend this. It causes kernel panics and sync errors.
When Apple released macOS Big Sur (version 11.0) in November 2020, it marked the biggest visual overhaul in a decade. But the biggest functional change was the retirement of iTunes.
File > New Finder Window or click the smiley face icon in the Dock).