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apple music

I have many owned cd's as part of my music library. Last month I subscribed to Apple Music. I see that all my owned albums, playlists, artists are now co-mingled in the Apple Music Library.


When I cancel my Apple Music subscription, will all my owned music be also removed? I see that Apple mentions that unless my music is "DRM" (?) I will lose what I have owned (which also include private cd's gifted from personal artists I have known over the years).


Obviously I'm confused about the DRM thing...please clarify. Is there a way I can de-mingle my music from Apple's music which I am only renting?

Thank you.

iPhone 11

Posted on Oct 12, 2022 4:33 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 12, 2022 11:43 PM

Your music is yours and will remain yours even if you cancel an Apple Music subscription. Only streamed files (those coming from Apple Music's catalogue or saved locally for offline use) contains DRM and can be played only with an active subscription.


With Apple Music service your owned music (locally stored/previously bought/ripped from your CDs) is uploaded/matched to Apple Music's catalogue for your convenience so you can stream it on-the-go.


If you cancel Apple Music you'll loose the possibility to play/download the DRM protected tracks from Apple Music's catalogue. Your music (present before the start of your subscription), as said, will remain yours: owned and playable without any restriction related to Apple Music.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 12, 2022 11:43 PM in response to vesta822

Your music is yours and will remain yours even if you cancel an Apple Music subscription. Only streamed files (those coming from Apple Music's catalogue or saved locally for offline use) contains DRM and can be played only with an active subscription.


With Apple Music service your owned music (locally stored/previously bought/ripped from your CDs) is uploaded/matched to Apple Music's catalogue for your convenience so you can stream it on-the-go.


If you cancel Apple Music you'll loose the possibility to play/download the DRM protected tracks from Apple Music's catalogue. Your music (present before the start of your subscription), as said, will remain yours: owned and playable without any restriction related to Apple Music.

apple music

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