Music database not backwards compatible in Tahoe

Question

Music database not backwards compatible in Tahoe

I have the following setup:

Laptop A: recently updated to Tahoe Version 26.0.1 (25A362)

Laptop B: running Sequoia Version 15.7.1 (24G231)

Prior to the Tahoe update on A, I used to synchronize my entire Music library including the database manually (using Chronosync) with absolutely no issues, so B was an exact mirror of the master A.

Since the update, on performing a sync, I get an error saying something along the lines of the Music database file cannot be read due to it being created on a newer version. Will there be, or is there a fix for this as it’s an issue that I can’t keep these in absolute sync?

Also just fyi: Tried Apple Match but it did not work for my scenario, my tracks were scrambled and out of order with some not accessible at all so this is not an option for me.

Thank you.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Oct 7, 2025 9:48 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

277,937 points

Oct 7, 2025 11:08 AM in response to lorrainefromatlanta

Typically different builds of iTunes and Music have only provided for forwards compatibility. There is no change here. A well organized library with no duplicates or inconsistencies can usually be shared via Apple Music or iTunes Match, but there may be issues to resolve if the library is sufficiently large or complicated. Is it possible to upgrade Laptop B to Tahoe? If not do you have a back up that would allow you to revert Laptop A?

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

277,937 points

Oct 8, 2025 1:16 AM in response to lorrainefromatlanta

See Empty/corrupt iTunes/Music library after upgrade/crash - Apple Community for some general background on fixing library issues. You should, at the very least, be able to locate the pre-Tahoe update library in the Previous Libraries folder and restore that into the main ~/Music/Music folder on the Sequoia laptop. After that you can use Chronosync to copy all files except the Music Library.musiclibrary package, which you would need to update manually with any changes made on the Tahoe system.

tt2

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Answer 3

Oct 7, 2025 7:36 PM in response to lorrainefromatlanta

Thanks...I've been using iTunes/Music forever and never had this problem but then I don't remember running 2 laptops before...one is strictly for djaying. The old laptop is a 2020 build so can't update to Tahoe as of yet. I did speak to Apple about it and they said if enough people complain about the compatibility issue it, it'll get fixed. I'd hate to have to buy a new laptop just for this but that's how companies stay in business I guess.

My library is 1000% organized and realized that a software cannot do it better but yeah I think its too large for Match to work well, plus my organization method which I wont bore you with here but thanks. It'll be a manual process til they fix or I update. Fingers crossed it's not the latter.

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Answer 4

Oct 7, 2025 7:40 PM in response to AlWeir

I don't think its a Chronosync problem as its doing what I purchased it for which is simply to copy a file. The problem is that the library db file is no longer the same according to OS, so one cannot read the other now Ive upgraded. I did ask Apple if I could go back (although I do love the new OS) but thats a no too so we'll see but thanks.

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Answer 5

AlWeir

Level 5

4,610 points

Oct 7, 2025 9:59 AM in response to lorrainefromatlanta

Have you asked the Developer of Chronosync if they might know or have a work-a-around for the problem?

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Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

277,937 points

Oct 8, 2025 11:02 AM in response to lorrainefromatlanta

See Move your iTunes/Music library to a new computer - Apple Community. Music in Tahoe will be able to read and update the database that comes from Sequoia.

tt2

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Answer 7

Oct 8, 2025 6:14 AM in response to turingtest2

Thats exactly what I did and am doing...thank goodness I keep a backup of everything. It'll have to be a manual process until I decide to upgrade. Not the most efficient workflow but definitely my only workaround for now. Thanks for the great advice.

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Answer 8

Oct 8, 2025 9:13 AM in response to lorrainefromatlanta

@turingtest2 I have another question. Let's say I only have the Sequoia laptop (which cannot be updated to Tahoe) but decide to buy a new laptop that has Tahoe on. How would I transfer my entire library if the Sequoia "Music Library" file is not compatible? I can get all the actual music files over no problem but it's the library (and organization) that matters so was wondering.

The reason I ask is because I realized that Match scrambled my database so bad on the Tahoe machine (after years of perfect organization) that the Sequioa machine has now become my one source of truth.

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Answer 9

Oct 8, 2025 1:56 PM in response to turingtest2

Thanks so much for your help tt2 and helping me lock the issue down although I did kind of give up and get a more up to date refurbed unit as it seems I will have to end up there anyway.

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