When you first open the Music app on Big Sur 11.7, it will automatically migrate your old iTunes Library.itl file. This process preserves:
What happened to your songs?
Your actual music files (MP3, AAC, ALAC) are still in ~/Music/Music/Media/ (previously ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/). The Music app now manages them.
Missing features:
If you have searched for "iTunes macOS Big Sur 117," you are likely one of two users:
Let’s clear up the confusion immediately. macOS Big Sur (11.x) was the operating system that killed iTunes. Apple officially split the monolithic iTunes application into three separate, purpose-built apps: Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. The device syncing features moved to the Finder. itunes macos big sur 117
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.
Let’s solve the specific errors users face when trying to replicate the iTunes experience. When you first open the Music app on Big Sur 11
You see a ghost popup. Fix: Delete iTunes receipts. Open Terminal and run:
sudo rm -rf /Applications/iTunes.app
sudo pkgutil --forget com.apple.pkg.iTunesX
The primary function of iTunes 1.1.7 on Big Sur is to allow users to download apps for their iOS devices directly to their Mac. This functionality is useful for users who prefer a larger screen to browse the App Store or wish to manage their app library without accessing their mobile device. What happened to your songs
iTunes, introduced in 2001, evolved from a simple music player into a monolithic tool for syncing iPods, iPhones, and iPads, managing ringtones, audiobooks, podcasts, and movies. By 2019, its feature creep had become widely criticized. In June 2020, Apple announced at WWDC that macOS Big Sur would break iTunes into three dedicated apps. Version 11.7, released in September 2022, represents the final refined state of that redesign for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.