Swimming with music can completely transform your workout, helping you stay motivated and focused lap after lap. The Shokz OpenSwim is designed specifically for swimmers, offering a fully waterproof, bone-conduction listening experience without the need for earbuds.
But if you're an Apple Music subscriber, you may quickly run into a limitation: OpenSwim doesn't support streaming apps or wireless connectivity underwater. So how can you listen to Apple Music on Shokz OpenSwim while swimming?
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we'll walk you through the entire process of downloading, converting, and transferring Apple Music to your Shokz OpenSwim. We also cover Bluetooth mode for the Pro model, expert tips, and optimal audio settings.
Part 1. Does Shokz OpenSwim Work with Apple Music?
If you're wondering whether you can play Apple Music on the Shokz OpenSwim, the short answer is NO. Not only the DRM-protection of Apple Music, but also the work style of Shokz. The Shokz OpenSwim does not even officially support any streaming service.
Shokz OpenSwim is not a Bluetooth streaming device. Instead, it functions as a built-in MP3 player with internal storage. This design is intentional, as Bluetooth signals do not travel well, even no any signal underwater.
Because of this:
- You cannot stream Apple Music directly to OpenSwim
- You cannot pair it with your phone or Apple Watch while swimming
- You must use local audio files (MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC)
Below is a detailed comparison of the supported audio formats and technical specifications for the Shokz OpenSwim and the OpenSwim Pro. Understanding these differences is key to managing your Apple Music library effectively.
| Device | OpenSwim | OpenSwim Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Formats | MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC | MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, AAC, WMA, APE |
| Internal Storage | 4GB | 32GB |
| Connectivity | MP3 Mode Only | Bluetooth + MP3 Mode |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 Hours | Up to 9 Hours (BT) / 6 Hours (MP3) |
| Microphone | ❌ | ✅ |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 (Up to 2 meters) | IP68 (Up to 2 meters) |
So while Apple Music isn't natively compatible, there is still a reliable workaround to help you get Apple Music to Shokz OpenSwim - which we'll cover next.
Part 2. How to Download Apple Music to Shokz OpenSwim Headphones
To make Apple Music playable on OpenSwim, you need to convert your tracks into supported audio formats like MP3, WAV, or other compatible formats.
A professional tool such as AudFree Apple Music Converter can help you. It is specially designed to get rid of DRM from Apple Music and convert Apple Music to MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF, Lossless, and M4B with original quality.
Besides, this tool allows you to reset output audio parameters like audio channel, bit rate, sample rate and more. Also, it allows you to output Apple Music files by artists, albums, etc. for better management. With this software, you can easily get local Apple Music for Shokz OpenSwim. Then you can add Apple Music to Shokz OpenSwim for playing offline while swimming.
Why Choose AudFree Apple Music Converter
- Remove DRM from Apple Music losslessly
- Convert Apple Music to FLAC, MP3, WAV, M4A that Shokz supported
- Preserve original sound quality and metadata for Shokz Apple Music organization
- Work at 17X fast speed for batch conversion
After learning the key features of AudFree Apple Music Converter, let's learn how it works. Before that, you need to download and install it on your Windows or Mac computer first by hitting the 'Download' button above. Once installed, please follow the steps below to see how to convert Apple Music for Shokz OpenSwim headphones.
- Step 1. Upload Apple Music Songs to AudFree
- Double-click to launch AudFree Auditior on your Mac or Windows computer. Then on its main screen, you can see the built-in Apple Music web player. Next, click 'Sign in' to log in to your Apple Music account to access your music library. Then browse and find any track that you want to convert for Shokz OpenSwim. Once found, tap the song, tap the right-side '+ ♫' icon and AudFree program will analyze the track for you, Later, tap the 'Add to list' button to load files for converting.
- Step 2. Define Output Format for Apple Music to Shokz OpenSwim-Compatible Files
- Now, you need to alter Apple Music output audio format to a Shokz OpenSwim compatible version. To do that, please click the Menu icon at the top-right corner of the screen. Then choose Preferences to open the settings window. Here, tap the Conversion option on the left side. Later, choose MP3, FLAC, WAV, or other Shokz OpenSwim compatible audio formats we mentioned above.
- Also, you can change Apple Music output audio channel, bit rate, and so on for a better output quality. After that, don't forget to click OK to apply.
View also: How to Convert Apple Music to MP3
- Step 3. Convert Apple Music to Shokz OpenSwim Supported Audio Files
- Now, please press the Convert button on the AudFree's Converting interface. Then AudFree program will start to convert Apple Music files to Shokz OpenSwim-compatible audio files on your computer. Once finished, you can go to the Converted window to find the converted Apple Music files on your computer. Now they're ready to transfer to your OpenSwim device.
If you want to expand your Shokz OpenSwim library with tracks from major platforms like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Tidal, the AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder is an excellent solution. It supports over 10 leading streaming services, preserving full ID3 tags and original lossless audio quality for an optimal underwater listening experience.
Part 3. How to Put Apple Music on Shokz OpenSwim Headphones
By using AudFree Apple Music Converter, you've gotten local Apple Music files on your computer. Now, you can transfer Apple Music to Shokz OpenSwim headphones for playback. Here are two ways for you to do that. Check them out below.
Method 1. How to Get Apple Music on Shokz OpenSwim via USB Charging Cradle
Available for: Shokz OpenSwim and Shokz OpenSwim Pro
Step 1. First, you need to connect your OpenSwim headphones to the USB Charging Cradle. Also, please make sure that the Pogo Pins of your device and the terminals of the USB Charging Cradle are connected well.
Step 2. Next, connect the USB Charging Cradle to your computer. Once connected, you can see the OpenSwim hard drive on the desktop screen. Then you can create a new folder on it to save your Apple Music files.
Step 3. Now, find the converted Apple Music files in the target folder on your computer. Once found, drag & drop the desired Apple Music files into your OpenSwim hard drive's folder you just created.
Step 4. Once transferred, please disconnect the USB Charging Cradle from your computer. Later, the LED indicator will flash red and blue.
Step 5. At last, press and hold 'Volume -' and 'Multifunction' button for about two seconds. You will hear the following voice prompts:
"Play Current Folder": This indicates that audio files in the current folder can be played.
"Play All Folder": This means all music files imported into OpenSwim can be played.
Method 2. How to Play Apple Music on Shokz OpenSwim via Bluetooth
Available for: Shokz OpenSwim Pro
There is a Bluetooth feature on Shokz OpenSwim Pro device. But before doing that, you need to transfer Apple Music to Android or iPhone device from your computer in advance.
If you are swimming or underwater, you can't use Bluetooth feature on Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones. If you still want to listen to music, you need to switch to MP3 mode.
Step 1. Press the 'Volume +' button for 2 seconds (until the LED light flashes blue) on your Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones to activate it.
Step 2. To switch between playback modes, press and hold the 'Volume +' and 'Volume -' buttons simultaneously for two seconds. You will hear a voice prompt announcing either 'MP3 Mode' or 'Bluetooth Mode' to confirm the change.
Step 3. On your mobile phone or tablet, turn on the Bluetooth function. Later, in the available devices list, pick up your OpenSwim Pro device and then pair it to your mobile device.
Step 4. Once connected, find and play the imported Apple Music files on your mobile device.
At last, you will listen to Apple Music songs on Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones via Bluetooth.
The Bluetooth method also works with Shokz OpenRun or Shokz OpenFit headphones.
Part 4. FAQs about Shokz OpenSwim and Apple Music
What are the Best Audio Settings for Local Apple Music Files on OpenSwim?
Since OpenSwim uses bone conduction, extremely high-resolution audio won't provide noticeable improvements underwater. For the best balance of storage capacity and sound quality, we recommend using 320kbps MP3s with a 44.1 kHz sample rate. These settings offer the highest fidelity you can realistically perceive while swimming, without unnecessarily filling up the internal storage.
Is There a Limit to How Many Apple Music Songs I Can Add to Shokz OpenSwim?
Yes, storage capacity is determined by the device's internal memory: 4GB on the standard OpenSwim and 32GB on the OpenSwim Pro. When using standard 320kbps MP3 files, the OpenSwim holds approximately 800 to 1,000 songs, while the Pro model expands that to roughly 6,400 to 8,000 tracks. Keep in mind that high-resolution formats like FLAC or WAV take up significantly more space, which will reduce the total number of songs you can store.
Can I Transfer Purchased Apple Music Files from My Mac or PC to Shokz OpenSwim?
Yes, but it depends on the file type. Purchased iTunes songs (.m4a) from iTunes Store are DRM-free and ready for direct transfer to Shokz OpenSwim. Subscription-based Apple Music tracks, however, are protected and won't play on the Shokz headset. To bypass this, use the AudFree Apple Music Converter to transform your subscription library into high-quality MP3 or WAV files that Shokz OpenSwim supports.
In Conclusion
While Shokz OpenSwim doesn't directly support Apple Music streaming, it remains one of the best choices for swimmers thanks to its reliable offline playback and waterproof design.
Whether you're training seriously or just swimming for fun, combining AudFree Apple Music Converter with OpenSwim gives you the best of both worlds - premium music and uninterrupted performance. If you're willing to take a few extra steps upfront, the payoff is a seamless, distraction-free listening experience in the water.
James Blair
Staff Editor
