Now, Apple Music has become a major player in the music streaming industry, especially since it offers Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless tiers. You subscribe to Apple Music Lossless tier; however, if you are tired of being locked into the Apple ecosystem, sometimes you may wonder: can I play lossless Apple Music on my preferred device? The answer is no.
In this guide, you will get the answers and solutions to convert Apple Music to FLAC lossless for playback. Now, follow the steps to take control of your Apple Music on your desired device and platform easily.
Part 1. Why You Need to Convert Apple Music to FLAC
For users, especially audiophiles, who want to play Apple Music on their preferred device, you need to know why you can't do that. Here are the reasons.
Apple uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) to deliver true lossless quality for streaming and downloads. Besides, the music files are protected by DRM. This limits users to enjoying Apple Music within the authenticated Apple Music app on authorized devices. If you have a dedicated FLAC-compatible device, you can't play Apple Music with it.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a universally used and open-source format. So, converting Apple Music to FLAC is a need. In this case, you can listen to Apple Music on any FLAC-supported device.
Tips: Compare FLAC vs ALAC vs M4P
| Features | FLAC | ALAC | M4P (Protected AAC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Type | Lossless | Lossless | Lossy |
| File Size | Compressed (smaller than WAV/AIFF, but larger than MP3/AAC) | Compressed (smaller than WAV/AIFF, but larger than MP3/AAC) | Highly compressed than FLAC/ALAC |
| Compatibility | Widely supported by Android, DAPs, Windows, HiFi gear | Apple-based ecosystem | Authorized Apple Music/iTunes app |
| Open Source | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| DRM Protection | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Audio Quality | Up to 32-bit/192 kHz | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz (Hi-Res Lossless) | 256 kbps AAC (standard quality) |
Part 2. How to Convert Apple Music to FLAC via Professional Tool
When searching for how to convert Apple Music to FLAC on the web, there are many tools in the market. But after testing, we found that some file conversion tools fail. That's because they are not able to remove DRM protection from Apple Music.
After comparing to other working tools, AudFree Apple Music Converter stands out from them as the most reliable and efficient tool to do the job. It's specially designed for Apple Music users to convert and enjoy songs and playlists more conveniently.
With the assistance of this powerful Apple Music to FLAC converter, you will be able to get rid of DRM protection from Apple Music tracks. Also, you can convert downloaded Apple Music tracks to lossless FLAC purely by running at a faster speed and keep all metadata at the same time. Apart from supporting output FLAC files, it also supports converting Apple Music to MP3, WAV, AIFF, Lossless, M4A and M4B with zero quality loss.
AudFree Apple Music to FLAC Converter
- Remove DRM protection from Apple Music songs and playlists
- Losslessly convert Apple Music DRM M4P to FLAC, WAV, MP3, etc.
- Play Apple Music on any FLAC supported device and media player
- Work at a fast speed with all ID3 tags preserved
Section 1. How to Download Apple Music to FLAC via AudFree Apple Music Converter
Please download this all-in-one Apple Music converter on your Mac or Windows computer. And then you can refer to the following tutorial to rip FLAC from Apple Music while removing DRM lock with all ID3 tags and metadata info preserved.
- Step 1Import Apple Music files to AudFree
- Open the AudFree Apple Music Converter and log in to your Apple Music account within the built-in web player. Then click the Apple Music tracks you like, then tap the + icon and click the 'Add to list' button to add them to AudFree.
- Step 2Set output format as FLAC and customize other parameters
- In general, AudFree Apple Music to FLAC Converter sets Lossless as the output format by default. To define output format as FLAC, you need to click the 'menu' icon > Preferences to open its setting window. Then choose the Conversion option and you can start to set to download FLAC music from Apple Music. Besides, you can change bit rate, sample rate, audio channel, etc. to personalize audio quality in the same window. After that, press OK.
- Step 3Remove DRM and Convert Apple Music to FLAC
- When all settings are ready, you can simply visit the Converting section and touch the 'Convert' button at the bottom-right corner. Later, AudFree DRM M4P to FLAC converter will start bypassing DRM protection and converting added DRM-ed Apple Music to FLAC audio files. Just wait until that conversion's done. After that, you can locate unprotected Apple Music FLAC music on the destination folder of your computer by pressing the 'Converted' icon.
Section 2. How to Play Converted FLAC Files from Apple Music on Other Devices
After using AudFree Apple Music FLAC Downloader, you easily get the local FLAC audio files from Apple Music. Now, you can play them on the device you like.
On a Windows or Mac computer, you can use VLC Media Player, Foobar2000 or other FLAC-supported platforms to play your music files.
View also: How to Play Apple Music on Foobar2000
On Android devices, you need to transfer the converted Apple Music FLAC files from your computer to your device via the USB cable first. Then you can use Poweramp or HiBy Music to play the audio files offline.
View also: How to Play Apple Music on Poweramp
Also, you can play Apple Music to FLAC audio files on high-end audio systems and DAPs, including Astell & Kern, FiiO, Marantz, Sonos, etc.
View also: How to Play Apple Music on FiiO
Part 3. FAQs about Apple Music to FLAC
Can I Use a Free Online Converter to Convert Apple Music to FLAC?
No. Such a tool doesn't work on Apple Music DRM-protected tracks. You can only use a professional tool to break the DRM from Apple Music files.
What Is the Best Apple Music to FLAC Converter?
Dedicated tools like AudFree Apple Music Converter, DRmare Apple Music Converter, etc., are some best options as they offer high conversion speed and lossless quality.
View also: Best Apple Music Converter
Can I Use iTunes or Apple Music App to Convert Apple Music to FLAC?
No, they can only convert files to AAC or ALAC. Besides, they can't convert DRM-protected songs at all.
Can Apple Music Play FLAC?
No. The native Apple Music app can't play audio files in FLAC format. You need to use third-party tools like VLC, etc. to play FLAC files.
Part 4. In Conclusion
Apple's proprietary system and DRM protection create a fundamental compatibility hurdle. So, the demand to convert Apple Music to FLAC is more than a preference. It is a critical step for serious audiophiles seeking true digital freedom.
The AudFree Apple Music Converter is the definitive answer, delivering guaranteed lossless conversion, preserving essential metadata, and offering fast speed. By utilizing this professional solution, you move beyond the restrictions of the Apple ecosystem. Ultimately, converting Apple Music tracks to FLAC allows you to have a complete and unlimited playback on any high-fidelity device you own. Start and unlock your music library today.
James Blair
Staff Editor
