iTunes integration/migration with newer Apple Music layout/app

hi all-

I need some help with iTunes integration with the new Apple Music setup. I have an old 2012 MacBook Pro with iTunes on it. Some of this music is not available through an Apple Music subscription nor for purchase, hence why I have imported it from a CD. I have a 2017 MacBook I use as my primary laptop that I'm planning on replacing with a new model I just bought. All of the songs I own through iTunes (purchased or otherwise) I've placed into different playlists and they all sync perfectly fine with all devices across my Apple ID. Once my new laptop arrives, ideally, I'd like to wipe my oldest model and move my data to my 2017 model so it's all there once I'm ready to move it all to my 2025 model. I know Migration Assistant is the best way to move data from one Mac to another. As far as migrating my iTunes library, how exactly does integration with Apple Music work? I'm not necessarily scared I'll lose my files/songs or anything like that but I do worry it won't translate once on a newer device. I know iTunes Match is a possibility. Has anyone had experience with this particular situation at all that can share how they accomplished it all? Do the files/songs end up showing up in Music? Maybe it's a dumb question and it's actually more straightforward than I'm making it seem.

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 9:24 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 10:12 PM

Yes — everything from your old iTunes library does migrate perfectly into the modern Apple Music app on new Macs. Your files, playlists, metadata, star ratings, play counts, and artwork all transfer.

Apple Music replaces iTunes, but it still uses iTunes libraries under the hood.

So nothing is lost, including your rare/non-store music.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 5, 2025 10:12 PM in response to yuki_56

Yes — everything from your old iTunes library does migrate perfectly into the modern Apple Music app on new Macs. Your files, playlists, metadata, star ratings, play counts, and artwork all transfer.

Apple Music replaces iTunes, but it still uses iTunes libraries under the hood.

So nothing is lost, including your rare/non-store music.

iTunes integration/migration with newer Apple Music layout/app

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