iPod Classic unable to sync new iTunes Store music

I have an iPod Classic (get in line, the Smithonian has been badgering me for years to purchase it) and have not been able to sync new music purchased from iTunes Store. I have an Apple Music subscription and an old (the Smithonian again) Windows PC with Windows 10 not upgradable to Windows 11.

Windows, Windows 11 (26100)

Posted on Nov 14, 2025 12:40 PM

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Posted on Nov 17, 2025 1:28 AM

Music obtained via the Apple Music subscription service cannot be added to an iPod Classic.


This is because Apple Music is not purchased, instead one pays a monthly subscription for access to that music. When the subscription is stopped, access to the music ends. In order for the service to know that subscription is still active, the iPod requires access to the internet. As you know, the Classic does not have internet capabilities.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 17, 2025 1:28 AM in response to Archmann

Music obtained via the Apple Music subscription service cannot be added to an iPod Classic.


This is because Apple Music is not purchased, instead one pays a monthly subscription for access to that music. When the subscription is stopped, access to the music ends. In order for the service to know that subscription is still active, the iPod requires access to the internet. As you know, the Classic does not have internet capabilities.

iPod Classic unable to sync new iTunes Store music

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