Apple Music Lossless uses the Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) to deliver supported songs at resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz. It is included with an Apple Music subscription at no extra cost, but it's important to understand how Lossless Audio works on Apple Music to set the right expectations.
To enjoy Lossless Audio on Apple Music, users need to check whether a track is available in Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless, enable the correct settings, and use compatible audio equipment. Lossless Audio differs from Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, and downloaded songs remain within the Apple Music app rather than becoming standalone audio files.
This guide explains how Lossless Audio works, how to enable it on supported devices, and how to stream and download Apple Music in Lossless Audio. For those interested in standalone lossless audio files, it also covers how to save Apple Music tracks using ViWizard Apple Music Converter, which supports formats such as FLAC and WAV. Let's get started.
Part 1. What Is Apple Music Lossless Audio?
Apple explains, "Lossless compression is a form of compression that preserves all of the original data." Apple Music Lossless lets subscribers stream and download eligible songs in Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). Unlike MP3 and AAC, which discard some audio information to reduce file size, ALAC preserves the original audio data and the details in the source recording. However, listeners may not always hear a noticeable difference.
1.1Apple Lossless (ALAC) vs. AAC
Apple Music supports both ALAC and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC). ALAC preserves the original audio data, while AAC removes some information to create smaller files. For example, AAC downloads take up less storage, while ALAC retains the audio data that AAC discards. As a result, lossless files use more data when streaming and more storage when downloaded.
1.2Lossless vs. Hi-Res Lossless Audio
Apple Music offers Lossless, up to 24-bit/48 kHz, and Hi-Res Lossless, up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Both preserve the original audio data, but Hi-Res Lossless supports higher audio resolutions. Actual playback quality depends on the recording and equipment. Standard Lossless works with compatible built-in speakers and wired equipment, while Hi-Res Lossless may require an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for sample rates above 48 kHz. Users can choose separate quality settings for streaming and downloads where supported. Higher resolutions use more data and storage, and not every song is available at the highest level.
1.3Lossless Audio vs. Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
Lossless Audio preserves the original audio data, while Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos changes how music sounds around you. Dolby Atmos creates a more immersive, three-dimensional experience by placing sounds in different positions. For example, vocals may sound as if they come from in front of you, while instruments seem to surround you.
Apple Music uses separate Lossless and Dolby Atmos icons to identify supported tracks. Dolby Atmos requires compatible playback equipment, while Hi-Res Lossless may require a DAC and wired connection. The features serve different purposes: Lossless focuses on preserving audio data, while Dolby Atmos creates an immersive listening experience.
Part 2. What Do You Need to Listen to Apple Music Lossless?
To listen to Apple Music Lossless, you need an Apple Music subscription, a supported device and app, and a song available in Lossless.
- Wired Headphones and Speakers: For standard Lossless, compatible built-in speakers or wired headphones may be all you need.
- External DACs: Hi-Res Lossless above 48 kHz may require an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC), depending on your device and connection. A DAC converts digital audio into a signal your headphones or speakers can play, but it cannot restore details missing from the original recording.
- Wireless Headphones: Your choice of headphones also matters. AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and most wireless Beats headphones connect over Bluetooth, which does not support lossless playback. Even if a song is marked Lossless in Apple Music, listening through these headphones over Bluetooth will not deliver lossless audio. For lossless playback, use compatible wired headphones or speakers. Some USB-C audio connections and supported Apple Vision Pro setups have different requirements, so compatibility depends on the specific device and connection.
Part 3. How to Stream and Download Apple Music Lossless Audio
Apple Music supports lossless audio on compatible devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Windows, and Android through the Apple Music app, as the Apple Music Web Player doesn't support this feature. Using Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), it preserves the original audio data for a more detailed listening experience.
Note: For Hi-Res Lossless, you may need an external DAC (a device that helps convert digital audio into sound). Standard Bluetooth connections do not support lossless audio.
3.1How to Check Whether a Song Is Available in Lossless
Look for the Lossless badge on a song or album in Apple Music. Supported tracks may offer Lossless audio at up to 24-bit/48 kHz or Hi-Res Lossless at up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
3.2How to Enable Lossless Audio on iPhone and iPad
Enable Lossless Audio and choose quality settings for streaming and downloads over cellular and Wi-Fi. To replace an existing download with a lossless version, delete it and download it again. Built-in speakers and compatible wired equipment support Lossless playback. For Hi-Res Lossless above 48 kHz, an external DAC is required. Automix and Crossfade are unavailable when Hi-Res Lossless is enabled.
01Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
02Go to Apps > Music.
03Tap on Audio Quality.
04Turn on Lossless Audio.
05Select Lossless for up to 24-bit/48 kHz or Hi-Res Lossless for up to 24-bit/192 kHz under the streaming and download quality settings.
3.3How to Enable Lossless Audio on Mac
Enable Lossless audio in the Music app and select quality settings for streaming and downloads. Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models support native playback up to 96 kHz. Other Mac computers require an external DAC above 48 kHz, according to Apple's guidance.
01Open the Music app.
02In the menu bar, click on Music > Settings.
03Click on Playback.
04Turn on Lossless audio under Audio Quality.
05Choose your preferred quality from the Streaming and Download menus.
3.4How to Enable Lossless Audio on Windows
Enable Lossless audio in the Apple Music app and select quality settings for streaming and downloads. Playback supports built-in speakers and wired headphones, receivers, or powered speakers. An external DAC may be needed above 48 kHz, depending on the computer. Availability varies by subscription and region.
01Open the Apple Music app on your Windows PC.
02Click on Sidebar Actions at the top of the sidebar.
03Go to Settings > Playback.
04Turn on Lossless audio.
05Choose your preferred quality from the Streaming and Download menus.
3.5How to Enable Lossless Audio on Android
Enable Lossless in the Apple Music app and select quality settings for streaming and downloads. Use compatible wired audio equipment; an external DAC may be needed above 48 kHz, depending on the device.
01Open the Apple Music app.
02Tap on More (three dots).
03Go to Settings > Audio Quality.
04Turn on Lossless.
05Choose your preferred quality for streaming and downloads.
3.6How to Enable Lossless Audio on Apple TV
Apple TV 4K supports standard Lossless. Hi-Res Lossless requires Apple TV 4K (3rd generation or later). Apple recommends the latest tvOS and an HDMI connection to an AV receiver.
01Update your Apple TV 4K to the latest version of tvOS.
02Open Settings.
03Go to Apps > Music.
04Click on Audio Quality.
05Turn on Lossless.
3.7How to Enable Lossless Audio on HomePod
HomePod and HomePod mini support Lossless Audio. Update the speaker software, then enable Lossless Audio in the Home app's Apple Music settings on the setup iPhone or iPad.
01Open the Home app on the iPhone or iPad you used to set up your HomePod.
02Tap on More, then select Home Settings.
03Scroll down to People and tap on your name.
04Select Apple Music.
05Turn on Lossless Audio.
Part 4. How to Download Apple Music Songs in Lossless for Offline Listening
Apple Music subscribers can download supported songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening through the app. However, downloads remain within Apple Music and cannot be exported as standalone audio files. This method is best for subscribers who want convenient offline listening without creating separate audio files.
Before downloading eligible Apple Music tracks in lossless audio, enable Lossless Audio, and select Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless for downloads on an compatible device, such as iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If a track was downloaded before lossless audio was enabled, delete it and download it again in lossless audio.
4.1How to Download Lossless Apple Music on iPhone and iPad
01Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
02Go to Apps > Music.
03Tap on Audio Quality and turn on Lossless Audio.
04Under the download quality settings, select Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless.
05Open the Music app and find the song, album, or playlist you want to download.
06Add the music to your library if necessary.
07Tap and hold the item, then tap on Download. You can also tap on the Download button on an album or playlist page.
4.2How to Download Lossless Apple Music on Mac
01Open the Music app.
02In the menu bar, click on Music > Settings.
03Click on Playback.
04Turn on Lossless audio.
05Choose Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless from the Download menu.
06Find the song, album, or playlist you want to download.
07Add the music to your library if necessary.
08Click on the Download button next to the item.
Part 5. How to Save Apple Music Lossless Tracks as Audio Files with ViWizard Apple Music Converter
Apple Music downloads stay within the app, which can be limiting if you want standalone files for a local music library or other players. ViWizard Apple Music Converter converts Apple Music tracks into formats such as FLAC and WAV. It supports lossless conversion and may preserve metadata, including song titles, artist names, album details, and cover art.
To convert your music, install ViWizard for Windows or macOS and open its built-in Apple Music Web Player, if available. Sign in with your Apple ID, select the songs, playlists, or albums you need, and choose FLAC or WAV as the output format. Use the recommended settings to match the source, or adjust the sample rate, bit depth, bitrate, and audio channels as needed. Choose an output folder and start the conversion. Test a few tracks first, then convert more if needed.
Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter
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- Convert Apple Music songs, playlists, albums, and artists
- Export Apple Music in 6 formats for different devices and players
- Preserve metadata and lyrics when creating music collections
- Organize converted music by artist and album
- Batch download large Apple Music collections
Step 1: Download and Install ViWizard Apple Music Converter
Start by visiting the ViWizard website and downloading Apple Music Converter for your Windows or Mac computer. Once the installation is complete, launch the application and sign in with your Apple Music account, if prompted, to access your music library.
Step 2: Select WAV, FLAC, or Another Output Format
Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to open the settings. Choose your preferred output format, such as FLAC or WAV, depending on how you plan to use the audio files. FLAC is a good choice for storing lossless music in a smaller file size, while WAV is useful for workflows that require uncompressed audio. You can also adjust settings such as sample rate, bit rate, and channel options, where available. Click OK to confirm your settings.
Step 3: Choose the Apple Music Tracks to Convert
Browse your music library and select the songs, albums, or playlists you want to convert. Click the "+" button to add your selections to the conversion list. Once you've selected the tracks, click Add to Conversion List, then click Convert to start the process. Available formats and conversion options may vary depending on your ViWizard version.
Step 4: Access Your Converted Audio Files
When the conversion is complete, click History to view your converted tracks. Click the folder icon next to a file to open its location on your computer. You can then organize your FLAC or WAV files in your local music library or transfer them to compatible devices for offline listening.
Part 6. Apple Music Lossless Downloads vs. Lossless Audio Files
| Feature | Apple Music Lossless downloads | Standalone lossless files |
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless, depending on availability and settings | Depends on the source recording and file |
| Formats | Managed within Apple Music | ALAC, FLAC, WAV, and others |
| Offline listening | Yes, through Apple Music | Yes, with a compatible player |
| Subscription | An active subscription is generally required for downloaded catalog tracks | No streaming subscription required |
| File access | Managed within Apple Music | Can be copied, organized, and backed up |
| Best for | Convenient streaming and offline listening | A personal music library |
Apple Music Lossless downloads support offline listening within the service, subject to its access conditions. Enabling Lossless does not provide a general option to export catalog downloads as standalone ALAC, FLAC, WAV, or AIFF files. Standalone lossless files offer more flexibility for file management, depending on the format, software support, source, and usage rights. Lossless describes how audio is encoded, not whether a file is freely transferable.
Users who need standalone files should obtain them from legitimate sources that provide the required format and usage rights. Tools such as ViWizard Apple Music Converter may offer file conversion features, but check the tool's current capabilities and applicable terms before use. Converted files are for personal use only where permitted by law and the relevant terms.
Part 7. Conclusion
Apple Music Lossless offers eligible tracks in ALAC at up to 24-bit/48 kHz for standard Lossless and 24-bit/192 kHz for Hi-Res Lossless. To get started, enable Lossless Audio in your device's settings, check the Lossless icon on eligible tracks, and choose whether to stream them or download them for offline listening.
The best option depends on how you want to manage your music. If you want convenient offline listening within Apple Music, use its official downloads. If you prefer standalone files for a local library and compatible players, check ViWizard's current capabilities and terms before using it. You can also purchase DRM-free lossless music from legitimate stores to build a portable music collection without extracting subscription-based tracks.
Is Apple Music Lossless free?
Yes, Lossless audio is included with an Apple Music subscription at no extra cost. However, Apple Music itself isn't free, unless you're eligible for a free trial or promotion.
Does Apple Music Lossless work with AirPods?
It depends on which AirPods you use. Most AirPods models don't support lossless audio over Bluetooth. Some newer models and connection methods are exceptions. If you want to listen to Lossless audio, check whether your AirPods support it or use compatible wired headphones.
Can you hear the difference between Apple Music Lossless and High Quality?
Some people can hear the difference, while others find it hard to tell Lossless from standard-quality audio. It depends on the listener, the recording, and the equipment. Lossless preserves more of the original audio data, but that doesn't always mean you'll hear a noticeable improvement.
Does Apple Music Lossless use more data and storage?
Yes. Lossless audio uses more data when streaming and takes up more storage when downloading. Hi-Res Lossless uses even more. If you have limited mobile data or storage, you can use standard quality when streaming over cellular and download Lossless tracks over Wi-Fi.
Do I need to download my songs again to get Lossless audio?
If you downloaded songs before enabling Lossless, you may need to remove them and download them again. Make sure Lossless is enabled in your Audio Quality settings before downloading the tracks.
Do I need a DAC to listen to Apple Music Lossless?
Not necessarily. You can listen to standard Lossless audio up to 24-bit/48 kHz on supported devices without an external DAC. For Hi-Res Lossless above 48 kHz, you may need an external DAC, depending on your device and connection. If you want to listen to Hi-Res Lossless, check whether your equipment supports it.
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Adam Gorden is always looking for new ways to explore music and videos. He likes trying different media tools and learning how to manage audio and video files with ease.
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