Why is My Apple Music Only Playing 24-bit 44kHz ALAC?

Are you experiencing an issue where your Apple Music library is exclusively streaming in 24-bit 44kHz ALAC format? This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, offering you a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Understanding the Format

Before we delve into the reasons, let’s first understand what 24-bit 44kHz ALAC stands for. ALAC, or Apple Lossless Audio Codec, is a lossless audio format developed by Apple. It allows for high-quality audio playback without any loss of data. The ’24-bit’ refers to the bit depth, which determines the dynamic range of the audio, while ’44kHz’ refers to the sampling rate, which determines the frequency range of the audio.

1. Default Setting

One of the most common reasons for your Apple Music library to play only in 24-bit 44kHz ALAC format is the default setting. When you first set up your Apple Music account, the default audio quality is set to ‘High Quality’ (24-bit 44kHz ALAC). This setting ensures that you receive the best possible audio quality from your library.

2. Device Compatibility

Another reason could be the compatibility of your device. Older Apple devices, such as the iPhone 5s and earlier, are not capable of playing audio in formats other than 24-bit 44kHz ALAC. If you are using one of these devices, it is expected that your Apple Music library will only play in this format.

3. Network Speed

Your network speed can also play a role in the audio format you receive. Apple Music streams audio in the highest quality available based on your network speed. If your network speed is slow, the service may default to 24-bit 44kHz ALAC to ensure a smooth playback experience.

4. Account Settings

It is also possible that your account settings are causing the issue. To check this, go to your Apple Music settings on your device. Navigate to ‘Music’ > ‘Audio Quality’ and ensure that the ‘High Quality’ option is selected. If it is not, toggle it to enable 24-bit 44kHz ALAC streaming.

5. Third-Party Apps

Some third-party apps may interfere with your Apple Music streaming experience. If you have installed any such apps, try uninstalling them and see if the issue persists.

6. Apple Music Library

Lastly, the issue could be related to your Apple Music library itself. If you have manually uploaded tracks to your library, they may be in a different format than the rest of your library. This can cause the service to default to 24-bit 44kHz ALAC for playback.

Table: Common Reasons for 24-bit 44kHz ALAC Streaming

Reason	Description
Default Setting	Apple Music is set to ‘High Quality’ (24-bit 44kHz ALAC) by default.
Device Compatibility	Older Apple devices are not capable of playing audio in formats other than 24-bit 44kHz ALAC.
Network Speed	Apple Music streams audio in the highest quality available based on your network speed.
Account Settings	Ensure that ‘High Quality’ is selected in your Apple Music settings.
Third-Party Apps	Some third-party apps may interfere with your Apple Music streaming experience.
Apple Music Library	Manually uploaded tracks may be in a different format than the rest of your library.

By understanding the reasons behind your Apple Music library playing only in 24-bit 44kHz ALAC format, you can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. Whether it’s adjusting your settings, updating your device, or