Apple Music is known for Lossless Audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, offering clear, detailed sound close to the original studio recording. However, Apple Music does not use FLAC. Its lossless audio uses ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) instead. Even with Lossless Audio enabled, Apple Music tracks remain in ALAC rather than FLAC.
Apple Music streaming tracks are protected by DRM, so they cannot be directly exported or converted to FLAC with normal tools. iTunes purchases can be converted to Apple Lossless, but Apple Music subscription content works differently. For users who need local FLAC files for DJing, audio editing, or other compatible software and devices, tools like ViWizard Apple Music Converter can convert Apple Music tracks to FLAC.
This guide explains how to convert Apple Music to FLAC with ViWizard Apple Music Converter, including what happens during the conversion and how to manage, transfer, and play the converted FLAC files.
Need Apple Music in more flexible audio formats? ViWizard Apple Music Converter helps Apple Music subscribers create a personal music library with seamless music backup. Build your collection and keep your music beyond the Apple Music app.
Part 1. Can You Convert Apple Music to FLAC?
Yes, but not directly through Apple Music. Apple Music does not support FLAC as a native format. Its catalog uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) at resolutions from 16-bit/44.1 kHz to 24-bit/192 kHz. Subscribers can enable Lossless Audio for streaming and downloads, but these downloads are for offline listening within the Apple Music app.
Apple Music subscription downloads are protected content, unlike DRM-free iTunes Plus purchases. This limits how subscription tracks can be used and means Apple's own tools do not provide a way to export them as standalone FLAC files.
If you need FLAC files, you need a separate converter. For example, ViWizard Apple Music Converter provides a built-in Apple Music Web Player, lets you select songs, albums, or playlists, and supports FLAC output with settings such as sample rate, bit rate, and channel. It also supports MP3, WAV, M4A, M4B, and AIFF.
Part 2. How to Convert Apple Music to FLAC with a Desktop Converter
When you need standalone FLAC files rather than Apple Music downloads, a desktop converter processes selected Apple Music content and saves it in the format you need. Unlike audio recording, it does not record the song in real time. ViWizard Apple Music Converter is one example; it can convert Apple Music songs, playlists, albums, and a full library into formats including FLAC, MP3, WAV, M4A, M4B, and AIFF. After signing in with your Apple ID, you can access your Apple Music library and catalog through its built-in Apple Music Web Player. Source resolution and output settings also affect the resulting files.
Select the content, choose FLAC, adjust settings such as sample rate, bit rate, and channel, and start the conversion. It supports lossless conversion, so the FLAC output does not add lossy compression to the source audio. The app can also keep metadata such as artist, title, album art, and optional lyrics, while letting you organize the output by playlists, artists, or folders.
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: Sign in to Your Apple Music Account
Open ViWizard Apple Music Converter and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Whether you have a free or paid Apple Music subscription, you can access your full music library. Once logged in, ViWizard will load Apple Music Web Player for browsing songs, albums, and playlists.
Step 2: Customize Output Settings as FLAC
Click the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner and open Preferences. Choose your output format such as MP3, M4A, WAV, or FLAC, and adjust sample rate, bit rate, and channel settings. Click OK to save your preferences.
Step 3: Add Music to the Conversion List
Search or browse your Apple Music library inside ViWizard. You can also paste a playlist or album URL directly into the address bar. Select songs, albums, or playlists and click the Add Music button to add them to the conversion list.
Step 4: Start Converting and Downloading
Click Convert to begin processing your selected Apple Music tracks. After conversion, files will be saved to your output folder. Go to the History section and click Open Folder to locate your songs. You can also double-click a track to preview it in the built-in player.
Part 3. How to Convert Apple Music to FLAC with Audio Recording Software
Sometimes you may prefer to capture audio as it plays rather than use a direct converter. Audio recording software records Apple Music through the selected audio input or system audio source and saves it as FLAC. Start recording, play the track, stop when playback ends, and export the recording. You can also trim or edit it before export. On Windows, system audio can be captured with WASAPI loopback; on macOS, recording system audio may require additional audio-routing or loopback software.
The trade-off is real-time recording, so a long playlist takes roughly as long to record as it does to play. System sounds or notifications may also be captured, so configure the input carefully and avoid other sounds during playback. Choose a Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless version when available, since recording a lossy source cannot restore lost information.
Part 4. Converting Apple Music to FLAC vs Downloading Lossless Apple Music
| Feature | Converting Apple Music to FLAC | Downloading Lossless Apple Music |
|---|---|---|
| Format | FLAC | ALAC |
| Audio quality | Lossless | Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless |
| Maximum resolution | Depends on the conversion method | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz |
| File type | Standalone local audio file | Apple Music download |
| Playback | Any software or device that supports FLAC | Apple Music app |
| Offline use | Yes, as a local file | Yes, within Apple Music |
| File management | Can be stored and managed like other local audio files | Managed within Apple Music |
| Settings | May include sample rate, bit rate, and channel options | Apple provides separate quality settings for downloads |
| Storage | Depends on the output settings | Lossless downloads require more storage |
Both FLAC and ALAC are lossless formats, but they are different codecs. Apple Music uses ALAC for its native lossless catalog, while conversion creates a separate FLAC file.
Apple Music downloads are intended for offline listening within the Apple Music app, while converted FLAC files are standalone local files. The source quality also matters. Converting lossy audio to FLAC cannot restore lost information, so check for the Lossless badge when using a lossless Apple Music source. Available lossless content ranges from 16-bit/44.1 kHz to 24-bit/192 kHz, depending on the song.
A converter creates a FLAC file from supported Apple Music content, while audio recording software records audio as it plays. Recording can be useful when direct conversion is unavailable, but other sounds playing through the computer may also be captured.
Part 5. How to Manage and Use Converted FLAC Files
Once converted, FLAC files are local audio files, not Apple Music downloads. You can store, organize, open, or import them into FLAC-compatible software. For example, Audacity supports FLAC and can edit imported files before exporting them. Storage matters for higher-resolution lossless files; playback depends on the device and setup. Apple says iPhone playback above 48 kHz requires an external DAC, while higher sample rates on Mac depend on the model and setup.
5.1Transfer FLAC Files to Other Devices
Move FLAC files like normal music files. You can transfer them between computers, phones, tablets, external drives, and other compatible devices using a USB cable, cloud storage, or file-sharing app. Place them where the target device or music app can access them.
The main thing to check is FLAC support. Some devices can store FLAC files but cannot play them through their built-in music app, so you may need a separate player. Larger lossless collections, especially higher-resolution FLAC files, also require more storage.
Transfer Apple Music FLAC Files to Android (Windows)
01Connect your Android device to your Windows computer using a USB cable.
02On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode when prompted.
03Open File Explorer on Windows.
04Find your FLAC files in your local folder (such as Music or Downloads).
05Open This PC > Your Android device > Internal Storage.
06Open or create a Music folder on your Android storage.
07Drag and drop the FLAC files into the Music folder.
08Safely eject the device and disconnect the USB cable.
Transfer Apple Music FLAC Files to Android (Mac)
01Connect your Android device to your Mac using a USB cable.
02Set your phone to File Transfer (MTP) mode.
03Install or open Android File Transfer, or use Finder if supported.
04Open the Android storage window on your Mac.
05Locate your FLAC files in Finder (Music or Downloads folder).
06Drag the FLAC files into the Android Music folder.
07Wait for the transfer to complete, then disconnect the device.
3.3 Transfer Apple Music FLAC Files to iPhone or iPad
01Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
02Open Finder and select your device from the sidebar.
03Click the Files tab.
04Open a compatible FLAC app folder (such as VLC or similar apps).
05Drag and drop your FLAC files into the app's document area.
06Click Sync to start transferring files.
07Disconnect the device after sync is complete.
5.2Play FLAC Files on Different Devices and Apps
Play converted FLAC files without Apple Music as long as the device or app supports the format. VLC Media Player is a simple option that supports FLAC across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. On macOS, you can preview FLAC files, but the Music app does not natively import them.
01Open VLC Media Player on your device.
02Click Media > Open File (or File > Open on macOS).
03Select your FLAC file or folder.
04Click Open to start playback.
05On mobile, open VLC and go to Browse.
06Select your FLAC file from device storage or Files app.
07Tap the file to begin playback.
Part 6. Conclusion
Apple Music supports lossless audio through ALAC, but it does not offer FLAC as a native download format. If you only need lossless playback or offline listening, Apple Music already provides it. If you want standalone FLAC files for local storage, management, or playback elsewhere, you will need a separate conversion or recording method.
A desktop converter gives you a direct way to select Apple Music content, choose FLAC, and save it as local files. Audio recording software captures the audio as it plays, but takes real time and requires a carefully configured setup. Whichever method you use, start with a Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless source when available, since a lossy source cannot restore information already lost.
Ready to convert? ViWizard Apple Music Converter supports lossless audio conversion and output formats including FLAC, MP3, WAV, M4A, M4B, and AIFF. Choose FLAC for standalone lossless files, or pick another format based on how you plan to use them, then start the conversion.
Is Apple Music FLAC or ALAC?
Apple Music uses ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) for its lossless catalog, not FLAC. Available lossless content ranges from 16-bit/44.1 kHz to 24-bit/192 kHz, depending on the track. Apple defines lossless compression as a method that "preserves all of the original data." FLAC is a separate lossless codec that the official FLAC project describes as "an audio format similar to MP3, but lossless."
Can Apple Music Lossless Be Converted to FLAC?
Yes, but Apple Music does not provide a built-in way to export subscription tracks as FLAC. Its Music app supports conversion to AAC, MP3, AIFF, WAV, and Apple Lossless, but not FLAC. To create standalone FLAC files, use a separate converter or recording method. ViWizard Apple Music Converter lets you select songs, albums, or playlists, choose FLAC, and adjust the sample rate, bit rate, and channel.
How Is Converting Apple Music to FLAC Different from Converting to Other Formats?
It mainly depends on the output format and how you plan to use the files. FLAC uses lossless compression, while MP3 uses lossy compression for smaller files. WAV and AIFF are uncompressed and generally require more storage. Source quality matters too; Apple states that converting compressed audio does not improve it because "The file only takes up more disk space." A lossy source cannot regain lost information when converted to FLAC
How Large Are Converted Apple Music FLAC Files?
There is no fixed size. It depends on track length, source resolution, sample rate, bit depth, and the audio itself. Higher-resolution tracks require more storage, and Apple notes that "Downloading lossless audio uses significantly more space on your device." FLAC produces smaller lossless files than uncompressed audio, but file sizes still vary between tracks.
Does FLAC Preserve Apple Music Metadata?
FLAC supports its own metadata system. The official FLAC documentation says, "FLAC has it's own native tagging system which is identical to that of Vorbis." Whether Apple Music metadata is retained depends on the conversion software. ViWizard Apple Music Converter can retain artist, title, album artwork, and optional lyrics, so you do not need to tag the files manually.
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Dave Henry, a multimedia technologist at ViWizard, focuses on delivering the best solutions for digital media challenges, including audio and video conversion, media optimization, and troubleshooting.
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