iTunes Songs Purchased Before 2009 Only Have DRM Versions

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iTunes Songs Purchased Before 2009 Only Have DRM Versions

Seeking to double check this info:

In 2021, if purchased a song from iTunes with DRM before 2009, you cannot get a DRM-free version directly via iTunes. Even if you delete them from iTunes and download them again, you get the same protected DRM file.

Is this correct?

Asking because when you search this question, articles from years ago say you can delete old purchases then download DRM free versions via iTunes. When I called Apple the service person said you can only get the original DRM file, so I think this info is out of date.

I understand their might be an exception for people with iTunes Match subscriptions, but I'm talking about getting a DRM free version without additional purchases.

Posted on Jun 24, 2021 8:15 AM

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Answer 1

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Limnos

Level 10

418,591 points

Jun 24, 2021 11:52 AM in response to FrustratedPodcast

Apple used to have an "iTunes Plus" service for upgrading old files (I believe there was a small charge) but that has long disappeared.

As far as I know you can still subscribe to Apple Music ( https://support.apple.com/ht204930 ) or Match ( https://support.apple.com/HT204146 ). If they are still available this this will let you re-download them in an unprotected format. Delete the protected format ones first (after backing up to be safe) then re-download ( https://support.apple.com/HT211816 ).

Sometimes it is worth consulting with several different individuals at official Apple Support (this forum is not that, it is users like you) and see if you get the same answer, particularly since this is a rare request. Also they may have confused your question with the recent release of lossless versions that are only available as DRM Apple Music versions if you turn on that feature.

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iTunes Songs Purchased Before 2009 Only Have DRM Versions

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