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.
Authenticate the installation with your Mac’s administrator password.
Apple officially retired iTunes with the launch of macOS Catalina, a change that carried forward into macOS Big Sur 11.7. The software had become bloated over two decades of feature additions. To improve system performance and streamline user experiences, Apple broke iTunes down into dedicated, lightweight applications.
When prompted, select iTunes as the application you wish to install. itunes macos big sur 117
: Used for syncing, backing up, or restoring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when connected via cable. 2. How to Use "iTunes" Features on Big Sur 11.7 Syncing Devices
Apple's official support resources clearly state:
With the introduction of macOS Catalina in 2019, Apple began to phase out iTunes in favor of separate apps for music, TV, and podcasts. This move was met with mixed reactions from users, some of whom appreciated the streamlined approach, while others lamented the loss of a single, unified interface. For example, some Chinese software sites list "iTunes 12
Houses your local music library, ripped CDs, playlists, and the iTunes Store for purchasing digital music.
The 117Hz tone played again. A notification slid down from the top right:
If you're still using iTunes on Big Sur 11.7, here are some key features and limitations to keep in mind: Apple officially retired iTunes with the launch of
In iTunes, ringtones were in "Tones." In Big Sur 11.7:
Click in the top menu bar and select Preferences (or Settings ). Navigate to the Sidebar tab.
The search for "iTunes macOS Big Sur 117" reveals the lingering confusion surrounding Apple's transition away from the beloved iTunes application. While macOS Big Sur 11.7 does not support iTunes natively, all of iTunes's core functions have been thoughtfully redistributed among Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, and Finder. For those who absolutely must run the original iTunes application, the Retroactive tool provides a workaround for Intel-based Macs—though it comes with security trade-offs and lacks official support.
This is a question that often causes confusion. The short answer is that the traditional iTunes application is with macOS Big Sur. The last version of macOS that officially supported running iTunes as a standalone application was macOS Mojave. If you attempt to download and install an older version of iTunes on Big Sur, you'll encounter an error message stating that the software requires an earlier macOS version.