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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo change Apple Music audio quality, open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality on iPhone. On Mac or Windows, open the app’s Playback settings; on Android, go to More > Settings > Audio Quality. Each platform lets you choose quality separately for streaming and downloads.
Change Apple Music audio quality on iPhone
- Open the iPhone Settings app.
- Tap Apps > Music > Audio Quality.
- Turn Lossless Audio on or off.
- Choose a quality level separately for Cellular Streaming, Wi-Fi Streaming, and Downloads.
Apple lists Lossless at up to 24-bit/48 kHz and Hi-Res Lossless at up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Those are maximum settings, not a guarantee for every song or listening setup; track availability, network conditions, and connected equipment affect playback. See Apple’s iPhone audio-quality guide.
Change audio quality on Mac
- Open the Music app.
- Choose Music > Settings > Playback.
- Enable or disable Lossless audio.
- Choose the desired options for streaming and downloads.
The Playback panel also has separate controls for Dolby Atmos, Sound Check, and Sound Enhancer. They affect playback, but they are not the lossless quality selector. Apple’s Mac instructions are in its Music user guide.
Change audio quality on Windows
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Select Sidebar Actions > Settings > Playback.
- Turn Lossless audio on or off.
- Set the streaming and download quality options.
Dolby Atmos, Sound Check, and Sound Enhancer are also available in Playback settings, but are independent of the lossless selector. See Apple’s Windows instructions.
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Change audio quality on Android
- Open the Apple Music app and tap More.
- Tap Settings > Audio Quality.
- Turn Lossless on or off.
- Choose a quality for streaming and downloads.
Apple’s lossless guidance for Android is based on a wired connection. Depending on the device, an external DAC may be needed to play rates above 48 kHz. See Apple’s Android guide.
Which Apple Music quality setting should you choose?
Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) preserves the original audio data in the encoded file. Apple says most of the catalog is encoded from 16-bit/44.1 kHz through 24-bit/192 kHz. Its Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless settings have different maximums; choosing the higher tier does not ensure that a track is available at that resolution or that your equipment can play it.
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| Setting or choice | Maximum or practical effect | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Lossless | Up to 24-bit/48 kHz, according to Apple’s iPhone guide. | Wired listening when you want lossless audio without pursuing rates above 48 kHz. |
| Hi-Res Lossless | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz, according to Apple’s iPhone guide; device output capability may limit playback. | Listeners with compatible wired equipment who specifically want higher sample rates. |
| Non-lossless quality | Uses less data and storage than lossless, though the exact amount varies. | Cellular streaming, limited storage, or Bluetooth listening. |
Apple characterizes the audible difference between AAC and lossless as “virtually indistinguishable.” That is Apple’s description, not a promise that every listener or setup will perceive the formats identically. Choose based on your data allowance, storage, listening equipment, and whether you specifically want lossless playback.
- Cellular data: Apple says lossless streaming over cellular or Wi-Fi uses significantly more data, and higher resolutions use more data than lower ones.
- Storage: Lossless downloads use significantly more device storage.
- Connection: Apple says Bluetooth connections are not lossless, including AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and Beats wireless headphones that use Apple’s AAC Bluetooth Codec. Wired headphones, receivers, or powered speakers are the supported route for lossless listening; some devices also support playback through built-in speakers.
Apple Music and lossless availability vary by country or region, and lossless versions are not available for every track.
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What to know about DACs and Hi-Res Lossless
You do not need an external DAC just to turn on Lossless or listen at up to 48 kHz. A DAC can be necessary above 48 kHz, depending on the device:
- iPhone: Apple says an external DAC is needed above 48 kHz.
- Mac: Apple specifies native playback up to 96 kHz on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Other Mac computers need an external DAC above 48 kHz.
- Android and Windows: Apple advises checking the device manufacturer to determine whether a DAC is required above 48 kHz.
Even with a DAC, the selected setting is only one part of the playback chain: the track and the rest of your equipment must also support the desired rate. Apple’s device guidance is in its lossless audio support article.
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Why an existing download may not be lossless
Changing the download quality does not convert a song already stored on your device. To replace a non-lossless download, delete it, make sure lossless is enabled and the download quality is set as desired, then download the song again from the Apple Music catalog. Availability of a lossless version depends on the track.
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