How to Download iTunes for Linux

Access your iTunes music, movies, and TV shows on Linux

by
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Sam Costello
Updated on December 08, 2020
reviewed by
Christine Baker
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
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Article reviewed on Mar 12, 2020
Christine Baker

What to Know

  • Easiest: Build a virtual Windows box using WINE and install iTunes. Linux has no official iTunes app.
  • Alternative method: Build a Windows box using Virtual Box.

This article explains how to use iTunes on a Linux machine using a virtual machine running Windows 10. Instructions apply to WINE v. 5.0.3 and VirtualBox v. 6.1.

How to Install iTunes on Linux With WINE

iTunes on Linux running with WINE

Your best bet for running iTunes on Linux is WINE. This program adds a compatibility layer that lets you run Windows programs on Linux. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Download and install WINE. 

  2. Check to see if your version of Linux needs any extras installed to support iTunes or its files. One common tool used for this purpose is PlayOnLinux.

  3. Download iTunes for Windows and install it. It will install in the same way as if you were installing it on Windows. 

  4. If the initial installation doesn't work properly, try an earlier version of iTunes.

    Earlier versions may not have the latest features or support syncing with the newest iOS devices.

  5. Once you've completed the installation, you should be running iTunes on Linux. This post at AskUbuntu.com has more extensive instructions on running iTunes in WINE.

How to Install iTunes on Linux With VirtualBox

iTunes in Linux running through a Windows 7 virtual machine via VirtualBox

This approach requires that you install VirtualBox on your Linux machine. VirtualBox is a free virtualization tool that imitates the physical hardware of a computer and lets you install operating systems and programs in it. It allows you to, for instance, run Windows from inside macOS or, in this case, to run Windows from inside Linux.

To do this, you'll need a version of Windows to install in VirtualBox (this may require a Windows installation disc). If you've got that, follow these steps:

  1. Download the correct version of VirtualBox for your Linux distribution.

  2. Install VirtualBox in Linux.

  3. Launch VirtualBox and follow the onscreen instructions for creating a virtual Windows computer.

    The installation process may require the Windows install disc.

  4. With Windows installed, launch your preferred Windows web browser and download iTunes from the Microsoft Store.

  5. Install iTunes in Windows, and you're all set.

So, while this isn't truly running iTunes in Linux, it does give you access to iTunes and its features from a Linux computer.

And that, or running WINE, is the best you'll get.

Will Apple Release iTunes for Linux?

Apple has sunset iTunes on Mac, replacing it with Apple Music. It's still available on Windows, but only for download from the Microsoft Store.

Given this information, plus the relatively small number of users and the cost to port and support programs on Linux, it's highly doubtful iTunes will make the leap to that platform.

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