iTunes 12.7 upgrade from 12.6

[mikzn]

I have been reading a lot of differing opinions about the pro's and con's of changes to iTunes 12.7 from 12.6 - some are happy to see "Bloat" removed - I guess they don't use the bloat part.

I use iTunes a lot for many different issues - backup of 2 iPhones, sync music between 2 MacBooks, 1 mac desktop, and a couple iPads and iPhones / iPods - updating music playlists is a big one (all using one iTunes library on a common drive) and updating of the APPs.

I was shocked to see so many features missing in the new version of iTunes - and that it somehow updated without my knowledge - yes the settings in the app store was somehow set to Automatic (I really don't remember making this change and goes against all my preference in all update preferences)

At any rate ok, new version of iTunes "fait accompli"- not the first time I have been blind sided by apple updates - remember the iWork changes? (the ones I purchased back in the day) iWeb gone, Pages App "nerfed" beyond usability (back to MS word) and Numbers? well excel was better in the first place. Thank god Keynote got a lot of TLC and quick updates - because PowerPoint has always sucked!.

At any rate my first thought was to downgrade iTunes to 12.6.2 - That said these changes are probably inevitable (just as the iWork changes were when iCloud was introduced)

I wonder what the main criteria was ? is it going to be faster and better?

So my thought is perhaps it might be useful to create a wiki thread for solutions to any missing or "updated" features and how to do the same procedures with the new version of iTunes - or any new apps that may be appearing to replace these features"

Why - because iTunes was a great app for organizing and listening to music and managing the syncronization with iOS devices - now it has become a advertising platform for Apple Music, Apple Movies and TV shows.

For example - helpful comments on the following?

1 - App store on iTunes removed - is there a new app on the Mac OS? What OS version is needed?

- Not Really, the iOS App Stores must be managed from their respective devices
- some functions like adding an APP and other configurations can be managed with Apple Configurator 2
- alternatively you can downgrade to 12.6.3 from 12.7 and stay with that version as the last version of iTunes to manage apps on multiple iOS devices​

2 - Where are iBooks / ebooks / iTunes U etc.

- iBooks / eBooks have had their own dedicated iBooks App on macOS since at least Sierra (before?). iTunes still supports syncing to iOS devices.
- iTunes U is now part of Podcasts​

3 - Where are custom ringtones now stored and how are they transferred?

- Purchase Tones - iTunes Store -> Purchases -> Tones
- Custom and Self-Made Tones ( .mr4 extension) can be still stored in iTunes and manually transferred from iTunes to iPhones or iPads​

4 - Backing up iPhone and iPad (seems to still be available in iTunes?)

- Unchanged from previous iTunes versions? but does not back up Apps​

5 - How to keep old apps (Back Up) that are no longer on the iTunes apps store ( or purchased on an older apple ID) - and transfer to new phone?

- App related functionality of iTunes has been removed.
- However the "APP".ipa files should still be in the iTunes folder < Mobile Applications.
- To Restore / Install via Xcode and/or Apple Configurator 2, there does not appear there is support for transferring apps back from the device to the Mac, only from Mac to device.
​

6 - How to customize playlists on iPhone from iTunes? (adding and reordering before a hike or workout ?)

- Unchanged from previous iTunes versions ?​

7 - How to reorder apps / pages on iTunes for iOS devices

- Unable to do - since apps are removed iTunes 12.7
- Can be done in Apple Configurator 2​

8 - How to use Ethernet for updates vs wireless updates

- ? I'm not sure what this means - software updates have (and do) always work over any internet connection. Does this refer to syncing with an iOS device?
​

9 - Uploading files to phone and ipad - via APP File Sharing - still exists

- Unchanged from previous iTunes versions​

10 - App and Games Data - can it be transferred?

- App and Game data continues to be included in a backup, as always
- use "Encrypt iPhone Back up" to allow passwords, Health and HomeKit data to be backed up​

11 - Previous Version of iOS apps - can they be downgraded?

- It would appear the answer is No, as all App related functionality has been removed (other than file transfer).​

12 - Is the iOS App Store combined into the Mac App Store in High Seirra?

- No, see question 1​

13 - What happened to the app files on the mac - iTunes? (ipa files and data)?

- ipa files are still available in the iTunes Data / iTunes Media folders in the "Mobile Applications" Folder
​

14 - Internet Radio - Still Available - If not shown check iTunes < preferences < Restrictions < Internet Radio.

15 - Purchased previous App versions? Prior iOS versions? No longer on iTunes Apps? etc?

-check media folder for .ipa files < iTunes Data / iTunes Media folders in the "Mobile Applications" Folder - copy your expire version to a back-up location to be able to restore​

16 - How does this affect data plans? ie multiple APP updates and multiple devices

- ?? No different from before.
- iOS settings allow you to limit App updates over cellular, if desired.​

Download page for prior versions of iTunes - https://support.apple.com/downloads/itunes

Update - iTunes 12.6.3 can be installed over 12.7 to revert / roll back
Source = Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes ( version 12.6.3)

Update - iTunes 12.6.4.3 can be installed over 12.7 or 12.6.3 to update for iOS 11 - Install apps with iTunes - update 3 April 2018

Update - iTunes 12.6.5.3 - update for iOS 12 - Install apps with iTunes - update Sept 2018

 

[has.marvel]

I have been reading a lot of differing opinions about the pro's and con's of changes to itunes 12.7 from 12.6 - some are happy to see "Bloat" removed - I guess they don't use the bloat part.

I use iTunes a lot for many different issues - backup of 2 iPhones, sync music between 2 macbooks, desktop, iPads and iPhones updating playlists is a big one (all using one itunes library on a common drive)

I was shocked to see so many features missing in the new version of iTunes - and that it somehow updated without my knowledge - yes the settings in the app store was somehow set to Automatic ( really don't remember making this change and goes against all my preference in all updating preferences)

At any rate ok, new version of itunes "fait accompli"- not the first time I have been blind sided by apple updates - remember the iWork changes (the ones I purchased back in the day) iWeb gone, pages nerfed beyond usability (back to word) and numbers well excel was better in the first place. Thank god keynote got a lot of TLC and quick updates - because PowerPoint has always sucked!.

At any rate my first thought was to downgrade itunes to 12.6.2 - That said these changes are probably inevatable (just as the iWork changes were due to iCloud)

I wonder what the main criteria was ? is it going to be faster and better?

So my thought is perhaps it might be useful to create a wiki thread for solutions to any missing or "updated" features and how to do the same procedures with the new version of iTunes - any new apps that may be appearing to replace these features"

Why - because iTunes is so useful in different ways to so many people

For example - helpful comments on the following?

App store on itunes removed - is there a new app on the Mac OS? What OS version is needed?

- No, the iOS App Stores must be browsed from their respective devices​

Where are iBooks / ebooks / iTunes U etc.

- iBooks / eBooks have had their own dedicated iBooks App on macOS since at least Sierra (before?). iTunes still supports syncing to iOS devices.
- iTunes U is now part of Podcasts​

Where are custom ringtones stored and how are they transfered?

- As per a message displayed on first launch of the new iTunes, these are now available to re-download directly from the device in iTunes Store -> Purchases -> Tones​

Backing up iphones and ipads (seems to still be available in itunes?)

- Unchanged from previous iTunes versions​

How to keep old apps that are not on apps store - how to transfer to new phone?

- It appears that all App related functionality of iTunes has been removed. If you have a .ipa file, these can be installed via Xcode and/or Configurator, however these apps do not support transferring apps from the device to the Mac, only Mac to device.
​

How to customze playlists on iphone from itunes? (adding and reordering before a hike or workout ?)

- Unchanged from previous iTunes versions​

How to reorder apps / pages on itunes for iOS devises

- Unchanged from previous iTunes versions​

How to use ethernet for updates vs wireless updates

- I'm not sure what this means - software updates have (and do) always work over any internet connection. Does this refer to syncing with an iOS device?
​

Uploading files to phone and ipad - via APP filesharing - still exists

- Unchanged from previous iTunes versions​

App and Games Data - can it be transfered?

- App and Game data continues to be included in a backup, as always​

Previous Version of iOS apps - can they be downgraded?

- It would appear the answer is No, as all App related functionality has been removed (other than file transfer).​

Is the iOS App Store combined into the Mac App Store in High Seirra?

- No, see question 1​

Purchase of previous App versions?

How does this affect data plans? ie multiple version updates and multiple apps

- No different from before. There are settings on iOS that allow you to limit App updates over cellular, if desired.​

your thoughts?

One more interesting item you missed. They left all the apps in the iTunes library. You can seem to access them or do anything with them but they are still there taking up space on your hard drive. Not sure how safe it would be to just go in and delete them at the file level since there might be library files somewhere that would get all hosed up. This whole app thing looks like something done at the last minute without being thought all the way thru.

 

[melchior]

they thought it rho

This whole app thing looks like something done at the last minute without being thought all the way thru.

They thought it through. It is part of their strategy to control your operating environment and push you to the cloud.

If a wiki does go ahead, be sure to include the tethered caching that allows you save on bandwidth when installing and updating multiple devices' apps. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207523

 

[mikzn]

One more interesting item you missed. They left all the apps in the iTunes library. You can seem to access them or do anything with them but they are still there taking up space on your hard drive. Not sure how safe it would be to just go in and delete them at the file level since there might be library files somewhere that would get all hosed up. This whole app thing looks like something done at the last minute without being thought all the way thru.

yes good point - the ipa files are still available in the iTunes Data / iTunes Media folders in the "Mobile Applications" Folder

Deleting the files will save space - but in my case I have some apps that are no longer available on the iTunes store and also some that were from earlier iOS versions ( ie iPhones 4S and iPhone 6) it probably makes sense to copy these types of files to a back up (before deleting them) - and have available in case you every have to wipe your phone or replace it.

My understanding of the new install / restore method is that restoring a phone will put an 'APP placeholder on the phone" for each APP and then the iPhone will download the newest version of the APP from Apple (if still available) - this means for multiple phones and ipads it will download apps to each device separately from apple and not from the Mac?
[doublepost=1505754888][/doublepost]

If a wiki does go ahead, be sure to include the tethered caching that allows you save on bandwidth when installing and updating multiple devices' apps. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207523

melchior - Thanks for the link - good point - this "tethered caching" option may save on phone data plan, that said it requires an ethernet "wired connection" for the mac and also "terminal commands" to activate, not sure many users will bother with?

Still, for limited data plans and multiple iPhones and iPads it would reduce the duplicate downloads.

 

[madrich]

I have a couple of non Apple ringtones stored on iTunes. What will happen to them if I update?


I also have iPod 4th gen with Apps since this iPod is no longer supported, what happens?

 

[Rich74]

Hi,

When I back up my iPhone to iTunes now will it cover all of my apps or when I do a restore to my new iPhone 8, will I also have to go and hunt for all my apps seperateley now or will this still work as it used to?

 

[chrono1081]

Apple does warn you, it says right in the update and gives you a link to click for more details.

 

[sportsnapper]

How can you revert to the previous version of iTunes?
[doublepost=1505847231][/doublepost]Opps - should have searched - https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...lt-in-app-store.2066504/page-39#post-25063257 works for me

 

[Tech198]

How can you revert to the previous version of iTunes?

If you can find a copy of a previous version,, otherwise TM backup and restore your OS... (providing u hadn't done a backup after the iTunes upgrade.)

Alternative, download install from Apple servers (Internet recovery), or local recovery would do,, Since iTunes is separate download anyway from "Updates" of App Store, u will go back to what the OS came with.

That is definitely not a one version back... but that's all u can do,,,, TM backup would be better if you can.

In regards, to weather Apple should have warned us about the change ? They could have done better, instead of a menu in "About" in iOS. What about a link directly on their homepage in bold pointing to an important notice or something? As not everyone will search "About" in iOS to see, not everyone will come across a knowledge base saying the same. it needs to be on the home page. if its important. Not on support section.

 

[BornAgainMac]

I am not sure about this change reducing bloat. It is a start. I would like to see iTunes focus on music but I suppose you still need to manage podcasts and videos. I think 4K needs a separate app to manage and podcasts too. iTunes when focused only on music back in the old days was a great app.

I wish there was more music focus with this update rather than just removing features.

 

[Partron22]

Under Sierra, my main version of iTunes is 10.4.1. It has the combination of features and simplicity I find optimal.
In order to sync with newer devices etc., I also keep a copy of the latest iTunes, 12.7, on the same mac.
I just installed that now. It works, and my copy of iTunes 10.4.1, called myTunes, is also still working to play music, make playlists etc.
I was worried 12.7 would mess up prefs, since the two versions share a single prefs file, or that some other bit of 12.7 code would cripple 10.4.1. That does not appear to be the case.
Of course I backed up before trying this.
Next challenge comes when High Sierra comes out on Sept 25. APFS might cause trouble for older iTunes versions.

If you're one of those who runs multiple versions of iTunes on a single Mac, then iTunes 12.7 does not appear to be a deal breaker.

 

[mikzn]

I might try this - thanks

Are you using the same iTunes Library file for both versions? I did not think the library file would work with different versions of itunes? or do you have separate libraries for each version of iTunes?

 

[Partron22]

Are you using the same iTunes Library file for both versions?

No, I keep a separate library file, and music collection for each version.
When I want to switch iTunes versions, I hold down option key while starting up the version, and manually choose the correct library file. Most of my music is in 10.4.1. I generally only switch to 12.whatever when Apple comes out with an update, or I need to sync with a new device. Sounds like with 12.7 and beyond, I'll be doing less of that.

 

[mikzn]

I have a couple of non Apple ringtones stored on iTunes. What will happen to them if I update?

No Worries - they will still be in itunes - just search for the name of the file - I created a genre - "ringtones" - to find them easier. The tones used to have a separate "Media Kind" but I think that was removed. on the iPhone everything is the same as before.

I also have iPod 4th gen with Apps since this iPod is no longer supported, what happens?

If you have the old apps on the mac I would back them up and store somewhere safe, in case you need to restore them later - (edit) see point number 5 above

 

[madrich]

No Worries - they will still be in itunes - just search for the name of the file - I created a genre - "ringtones" - to find them easier. The tones used to have a separate "Media Kind" but I think that was removed. on the iPhone everything is the same as before.



If you have the old apps on the mac I would back them up and store somewhere safe, in case you need to restore them later

Thank you for your comments and help.

 

[mikzn]

Hi,
When I back up my iPhone to iTunes now will it cover all of my apps or when I do a restore to my new iPhone 8, will I also have to go and hunt for all my apps seperateley now or will this still work as it used to?

I have not tried a restore or transfer yet from an iTunes 12.7 back up, but one suggestion might be to make an "Ecrypted Back Up" to do the restore from. This will make sure you have the most compete back up to start with ( some passwords and data are not included with a normal back up).

If you have a few apps that are no longer on iTunes and they do not make the transfer - you can find them archived in the itunes folder < in the "Mobile Applications" folder and then manually add them to the new phone.

 

[BaggieBoy]

I did a encrypted backup of a 6s Plus and restored it to a 8 Plus, all apps showed up on the correct screens and downloaded as expected.

 

[Tech198]

Under Sierra, my main version of iTunes is 10.4.1. It has the combination of features and simplicity I find optimal.
In order to sync with newer devices etc., I also keep a copy of the latest iTunes, 12.7, on the same mac.
I just installed that now. It works, and my copy of iTunes 10.4.1, called myTunes, is also still working to play music, make playlists etc.
I was worried 12.7 would mess up prefs, since the two versions share a single prefs file, or that some other bit of 12.7 code would cripple 10.4.1. That does not appear to be the case.
Of course I backed up before trying this.
Next challenge comes when High Sierra comes out on Sept 25. APFS might cause trouble for older iTunes versions.

If you're one of those who runs multiple versions of iTunes on a single Mac, then iTunes 12.7 does not appear to be a deal breaker.

iTunes always makes a "Previous iTunes library" folder after upgrading to the same location /Music/iTunes, so i would have thought it wouldn't mess up anything, since it backups the .itl file first, then creates another one.

Very similar to if user had created new library file themselves.

 

[steve62388]

If you can find a copy of a previous version,, otherwise TM backup and restore your OS... (providing u hadn't done a backup after the iTunes upgrade.)

Alternative, download install from Apple servers (Internet recovery), or local recovery would do,, Since iTunes is separate download anyway from "Updates" of App Store, u will go back to what the OS came with.

That is definitely not a one version back... but that's all u can do,,,, TM backup would be better if you can.

You don't have to do this. Provided you have a TM backup of the previous version you can just roll back to that. Instructions are here:- https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ix-available-in-thread.2011509/#post-23840655

 

[Partron22]

iTunes always makes a "Previous iTunes library" folder after upgrading to the same location /Music/iTunes, so i would have thought it wouldn't mess up anything, since it backups the .itl file first, then creates another one.

Yes, you can most often get what you want back from the "Previous iTunes library" folder.
It's possible to mess up though, if you're adding or deleting tunes or apps. Changes made in the newer version won't be reflected in the older version.
Thus, safer to just keep two separate Libs and files.

 

[jk73]

Great thread. I, for one, am happy Apple deleted apps from iTunes, and none of the other changes seem to affect me too much, if at all.

Can anyone confirm two things before I update to 12.7 (or the presumably forthcoming 12.7.1):

1. Do non-Apple e-books and PDFs stored in iBooks continue to sync to iOS devices just like before?

2. What happens to non-Apple-bought files marked as audiobooks (e.g., speeches and other non-music audio files I have saved in iTunes, which currently sync to iOS devices via iTunes)?

Thanks very much.

 

[iRock1]

Yes, you can most often get what you want back from the "Previous iTunes library" folder.
It's possible to mess up though, if you're adding or deleting tunes or apps. Changes made in the newer version won't be reflected in the older version.
Thus, safer to just keep two separate Libs and files.

Is there a tutorial to maintain two different versions of iTunes with separated libraries at the same time?

 

[Partron22]

Is there a tutorial to maintain two different versions of iTunes with separated libraries at the same time?

Someone here wrote one back around 2012. Not sure how good it was, as I rolled my own.
You might search under my user name and iTunes.

 

[mikzn]

Looks like apple has offered a few roll back versions of itunes (version 12.6.3 win and mac) for "enterprise environments" as an alternative to Configurator 2 for deploying and updating APPs on iOS devices.

This is great news for anyone who has not yet updated and also for anyone that wants to downgrade from iTunes 12.7 (keep in mind you will need to revert to the previous library - located in the folder named "Previous Itunes Libraries")

Source = Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes (version 12.6.3)
Below is the text from the support page ( or visit the link above) . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes
Learn how to deploy apps with iTunes.

Apple offers Volume Purchase Programs and Apple Configurator on Mac to help enterprise environments manage and mass-deploy apps on iOS devices. But certain business partners might still need to use iTunes to install apps.

Install apps with iTunes
If you've already installed a newer version of iTunes, you can download this version of iTunes on your Mac, PC 32-bit or PC 64-bit* and run the installer. After installation is complete, you can continue to deploy apps with iTunes.

You won’t be prompted to download new versions of iTunes after you install this version. Learn how to update to the latest version of iTunes when you're ready to upgrade manually.

*Apple provides technical support only for the latest version of iTunes.

Published Date: Sep 23, 2017

 

[iRock1]

Looks like apple has offered a few roll back versions of itunes (version 12.6.3 win and mac) for "enterprise environments" as an alternative to Configurator 2 for deploying and updating APPs on iOS devices.

This is great news for anyone who has not yet updated and also for anyone that wants to downgrade from iTunes 12.7 (keep in mind you will need to revert to the previous library - located in the folder named "Previous Itunes Libraries")

Source = Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes (version 12.6.3)
Below is the text from the support page ( or visit the link above) . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deploy apps in a business environment with iTunes
Learn how to deploy apps with iTunes.

Apple offers Volume Purchase Programs and Apple Configurator on Mac to help enterprise environments manage and mass-deploy apps on iOS devices. But certain business partners might still need to use iTunes to install apps.

Install apps with iTunes
If you've already installed a newer version of iTunes, you can download this version of iTunes on your Mac, PC 32-bit or PC 64-bit* and run the installer. After installation is complete, you can continue to deploy apps with iTunes.

You won’t be prompted to download new versions of iTunes after you install this version. Learn how to update to the latest version of iTunes when you're ready to upgrade manually.

*Apple provides technical support only for the latest version of iTunes.

Published Date: Sep 23, 2017

Thanks, you've saved me with this. iTunes 12.7 has a supper annoying bug that resizes the Column Browser all the time to display only three rows.