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What is the difference between iTunes Match, Apple Music, and iTunes in the Cloud?

I'm confused. What is the difference between iTunes Match, Apple Music, and iTunes in the Cloud?


From what I understand, iTunes Match is a once-per-year subscription that syncs your library to Apple's cloud so you can have your library in-sync and accessible to all of your Apple devices. However, when you open iTunes Store within the Music app on your Mac, you get this message:

What does it mean iTunes Match is in addition to what we already get with iTunes in the Cloud? Where in the Cloud? Why do I need iTunes Match then? I understand that Apple Music is a subscription to listen to unlimited music, but what the heck is the difference between iTunes Match and iTunes in the Cloud?? So confusing!

Posted on Oct 23, 2020 7:16 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 23, 2020 9:15 AM

Hi,

Itunes in the Cloud applies to iTunes Store purchases. This gives you the ability to redownload purchases.


iTunes Match is a subscription service that allows you to add your music to the iCloud music library so that you can access your music across your devices in addition to iTunes purchases.


Apple Music allows you to access the Apple Music catalog and includes iTunes Match features..


If you subscribe to Apple Music, you don’t need iTunes Match. iTunes in the cloud will be available irrespective of whether yo have a subscription or not.


Jim



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 23, 2020 9:15 AM in response to FAMFOBOS

Hi,

Itunes in the Cloud applies to iTunes Store purchases. This gives you the ability to redownload purchases.


iTunes Match is a subscription service that allows you to add your music to the iCloud music library so that you can access your music across your devices in addition to iTunes purchases.


Apple Music allows you to access the Apple Music catalog and includes iTunes Match features..


If you subscribe to Apple Music, you don’t need iTunes Match. iTunes in the cloud will be available irrespective of whether yo have a subscription or not.


Jim



Oct 23, 2020 9:09 AM in response to FAMFOBOS

iTunes in the Cloud only includes music purchased from the iTunes Store. With iTunes Match (and also with Apple Music) you can also store music from CDs and other sources. The following is a PC related site but gives a good overview: Use iTunes and iCloud together on PC - Apple Support


Regarding Apple Music vs iTunes Match, see the following from Subscribe to iTunes Match - Apple Support

If you have an Apple Music membership, you get all of the benefits of iTunes Match, plus access to the entire Apple Music catalog. You can also get a Family Membership to share the catalog with your family members. Learn more about joining Apple Music.


What is the difference between iTunes Match, Apple Music, and iTunes in the Cloud?

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