CreeJoy

Q: ipod Nano wouldn't download songs from Apple

Was syncing music from Macbook to iPod Nano.  Got an error message that some Apple songs couldn't transfer.  Why not and what should I do?

iPod nano (7th generation), iOS 9.2

Posted on Jan 15, 2016 12:11 PM

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Q: ipod Nano wouldn't download songs from Apple

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Jan 15, 2016 12:15 PM in response to CreeJoy
    Level 8 (38,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 15, 2016 12:15 PM in response to CreeJoy

    What does the error message say, exactly?

  • by CreeJoy,Solvedanswer

    CreeJoy CreeJoy Jan 15, 2016 12:20 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 15, 2016 12:20 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Screen Shot 2016-01-15 at 12.16.58 PM.png

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Jan 15, 2016 4:56 PM in response to CreeJoy
    Level 8 (38,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 15, 2016 4:56 PM in response to CreeJoy

    Songs downloaded from the Apple Music streaming service are subscribed, not owned.  Apple Music downloads use DRM (copy protection) as required by the content producers.  iPods (that are not iPod touch) cannot sync Apple Music downloads because they do not have an Internet connection, which is needed to verify your Apple Music subscription when playing song.

  • by CreeJoy,

    CreeJoy CreeJoy Jan 15, 2016 4:57 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 15, 2016 4:57 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thank you - that explains it.  Much appreciated.

  • by mike_1978,

    mike_1978 mike_1978 Jan 24, 2016 8:54 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Jan 24, 2016 8:54 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I am sure they could validate the subscription via the Bluetooth connection to an iPhone.  Nanos don't have Wi-Fi?  or how about needing to connect to iTunes every month of your subscription renewal date?

  • by mike_1978,Helpful

    mike_1978 mike_1978 Jan 24, 2016 8:59 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Jan 24, 2016 8:59 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    The bottom line is the iPhone 6+ is too big to work out with. They might lose me as an apple music subscriber and I won't buy a nano unless they fix this

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Jan 24, 2016 9:36 AM in response to mike_1978
    Level 8 (38,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 24, 2016 9:36 AM in response to mike_1978

    Enforcing DRM is expensive. If it was up to Apple, there would be no DRM.  The content producers specify the requirements for Apple Music's DRM, and Apple implements it.  Apple's motivation is to sell hardware and minimize service restrictions that hinder sales.  The content producer's motivation is to maximize subscription-based revenue while minimizing piracy through restrictions.  Apple Music exists as a compromise between those two opposing goals, and it apparently does not include support for iPods, except for iPod touch.

     

    iPod touch is a great device, amazingly thin and light (especially compared to current "big" iPhones).  I have an iPod nano that I use for running, but I also have an iPod touch (5th gen) that I use to watch Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, and to stream Apple Music.  For me, it's the ideal all-purpose hand-held media player.  Big enough to watch (and enjoy) videos comfortably.  Small and light enough to carry around easily for audio streaming.