You upgraded to Big Sur 11.7 and panicked because your 50,000 song library appears "empty." Don't worry. Your data is intact.
| What You're Looking For | Where to Find It on macOS Big Sur | |---|---| | Music library and iTunes Store | | | Movies and TV shows | TV app | | Podcast subscriptions | Podcasts app | | Audiobooks | Books app | | Device backup and sync | Finder (with device connected) | | iTunes Store purchases | Accessible within each respective app | | iOS app management | Finder (Apps tab) | | Ringtone syncing | Finder (Tones tab) |
In the Music app, go to File > Library > Get Album Artwork .
Click on your device to see the familiar sync tabs for music, movies, and backups. Can You Still Get iTunes? Technically, iTunes is not compatible
This comprehensive guide explains how iTunes functions on macOS Big Sur 11.7, details the native replacement applications, and explores alternative workarounds for users who still require a traditional iTunes experience. The Reality of iTunes on macOS Big Sur 11.7 itunes macos big sur 117
Retroactive will ask which iTunes features are most important to you (Cover Flow, App Store access, iTunes U, etc.) and automatically download and patch the appropriate version.
Retroactive guides you through downloading a specific version of iTunes (usually iTunes 12.9.5 or 12.6.5) and patches the app binaries so they bypass the security restrictions of macOS Big Sur.
If your iPhone or iPad does not appear in the Finder sidebar: Open .
The versioning 1.1.7 represents the final state of the "store-only" iTunes concept before further integration into the macOS ecosystem. Understanding this distinction is vital for IT administrators and users attempting to manage media libraries or legacy devices on modern macOS architectures. You upgraded to Big Sur 11
The iTunes app is no longer available for download on macOS Catalina or later. Apple has removed it from distribution for modern macOS versions because it's been replaced.
For example, some Chinese software sites list "iTunes 12.11.0.26" and "macOS Big Sur 11.0.1" together as if they're compatible. While these may be factually incorrect about native compatibility, they can be correct if referring to Retroactive-patched installations or Windows versions run via emulation.
However, Finder is Apple's recommended and most feature-complete method for device management on Big Sur.
While music, movies, and podcasts have obvious new homes, some iTunes features require a bit more searching: Click on your device to see the familiar
So, what does "iTunes macOS Big Sur 117" refer to? It’s likely a typo or memory of older build numbers (e.g., iTunes 12.10.11.7). By the end of this 2,000+ word guide, you will know exactly how to access your iTunes library, sync your iPhone, and even install legacy iTunes if you absolutely must.
Your entire collection of films, TV shows, and home movies has been moved to the . This app also serves as the streaming hub for Apple TV+ content. Finding Podcasts and Audiobooks
: Connect your device to your Mac and open a Finder window. Your device will appear in the sidebar under "Locations".