Does syncing your music via Music allow Apple to replace my music with other versions

i empathise with this issue and share the same concerns. i've maintained a spotify account (despite despising the company) and then reactivated a tidal subscription (when spotify bailed from all dj apps including djay) in order to have the option of deploying the odd song via a streaming service whilst continuing to dj with the files on my ipad safely, given djay is my main means of working. adding to that unnecessary expense is the fact that i can effectively get apple music free, due to regular purchases from apple.

my question is: can one take up an apple music subscription and opt out of the sync function, specifically ruling out any prospect of match replacing files on my ipad? if anyone here knows - or tries to do this - can they please advise?

i would much rather ditch spotify and tidal if apple music can safely be set in a way that guarantees none of the 37000 very carefully sourced and curated files on my ipad will be swapped out.

Hi,

iTunes match is used to match your library with music on Apple’s servers and allows you to access this on your other devices using iCloud Music library. Music matched on your computer can be upgraded to 256 Kbps AAC but this doesn’t automatically change the music on your computer-you have actively remove original and re-download the matched version. However, music o your other devices will be the matched version.

An Apple Music subscription includes iTunes Match features-so works in the same way. Be aware that music obtained from the Apple Music subscription can’t be used on DJ equipment.

Without a subscription, you can still sync your library Sync your device using your computer – Apple Support (UK)

Jim

This happened to me on at least one song I purchased on Bandcamp in AIFF. Apple Match (or whatever it’s called) changed it to a lossy file format. And this was on my MacBook Pro from which I purchase and curate all my music. So I’m not talking about it changing the format on other devices.

The vast majority of the time it doesn’t happen (I buy a lot of music), but the one time it did felt very invasive and I couldn’t work out what was going on?

All music lovers and DJs should have the right to listen in the file format of their choice. Apple doesn’t get that (yet).