A critical use case for iTunes on modern macOS involves legacy hardware. While Finder handles modern iPhones, older iPods and legacy iOS devices often require specific drivers that the modern Finder may lack. In some instances, users have attempted to run older versions of iTunes via virtualization (Parallels or VMWare) on Big Sur to bypass this limitation, as the native iTunes 1.1.7 offers no support for classic iPods.
The look and feel of iTunes is gone. The sidebar that let you toggle between Music, Movies, and Devices is dead.
For users seeking a more iTunes-like interface, third-party software offers enhanced functionality:
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Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to your Mac using a USB cable. Open a new window.
The simple, direct answer is: Apple has completely removed the framework that iTunes required to run. The version of iTunes that came with Catalina and earlier macOS releases is not compatible with Big Sur and will not install.
Use software like Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox to run macOS Mojave (10.14) inside Big Sur. Mojave was the last macOS version to officially support iTunes native installation. A critical use case for iTunes on modern
Some users require specific legacy features. Here is how to find them: Managing Podcasts and Audiobooks
For 99% of users, no. The replacement apps—Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, and Finder—provide all the functionality of iTunes in a cleaner, more organized way. However, if you have extremely specific legacy workflows or need access to certain deprecated iTunes features (like Cover Flow, older iTunes U content, or App Store management), the Retroactive method may be justified.
In Big Sur 11.0 and later (including 11.7), the iTunes application no longer exists. The iTunes.framework is partially retained for legacy sync support, but the user‑facing app is gone. The look and feel of iTunes is gone
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.
Purchases of music, movies, and TV shows are still available, but split across the three apps. For example, buying a song opens Music → Store tab; buying a film opens TV → Store.
When you update to macOS Big Sur 11.7, the system automatically migrates your previous iTunes database into three distinct media apps and integrates device synchronization directly into the operating system core.