Apple Music using Airplay - two different ways

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Level 1

25 points

Apple Music using Airplay - two different ways

I have marked two places red/green on the screen shot from Apple Music where I can start airplay to my speaker. One within Apple Music and the other from the top right menu in macOS

Is there any difference using red or green option/way?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 24, 2025 1:16 PM

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Answer 1

kstrid Author

Level 1

25 points

Dec 9, 2025 5:06 AM in response to azaksalmarzur28

Many thx, but I think you mixed the green/red?

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Answer 2

Dec 9, 2025 4:35 AM in response to kstrid

Yes — the two AirPlay routes are different:

Red (Music app AirPlay) = Direct, optimized, high-quality stream from Apple Music → best option for music.
Green (Control Center AirPlay) = Sends all Mac audio, acts like an AirPlay “sound card” → best for system-wide sound.

They look similar, but the playback method, quality, and system behavior are not the same.

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