Can iTunes Convert AIFF to MP3?

Audio Conversion

Published: Jan 28, 2025 Edited: Jan 29, 2025

Can iTunes Convert AIFF to MP3?

If you have an AIFF file and need to convert it to MP3, you may wonder if iTunes (now part of the Apple Music app) can handle the conversion.

The good news is that yes, iTunes can convert AIFF to MP3! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to convert your AIFF files to MP3 using iTunes (or Apple Music on newer macOS versions), explaining the process and benefits along the way.

What is AIFF?

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is an uncompressed audio format developed by Apple.

AIFF files retain the highest quality of sound since they don’t use any compression, making them ideal for professional environments like audio editing and production.

However, because AIFF files are uncompressed, they tend to be large in size, which can be impractical for storing music on portable devices or sharing online.

What is MP3?

MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) is a compressed audio format that reduces file size by discarding some audio data. While MP3 files sacrifice some audio quality to reduce their size, they still offer good sound quality and are much smaller than uncompressed formats like AIFF.

MP3 is the preferred format for storing and sharing music due to its smaller file sizes and compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms.

How iTunes Can Convert AIFF to MP3

With iTunes (or Apple Music) on your Mac or Windows PC, you can easily convert AIFF files into MP3 format. Here's how to do it:

Steps to Convert AIFF to MP3 Using iTunes/Apple Music

Step 1: Open iTunes or Apple Music

If you are using macOS Catalina or later, open the Apple Music app. For earlier macOS versions or Windows, open iTunes.

Step 2: Change Import Settings

Click on iTunes or Music in the top left corner of the app (depending on your version of macOS or Windows).
Select Preferences (or go to Edit > Preferences on Windows).
In the Preferences window, go to the General tab and click on Import Settings.
In the Import Settings window, under Import Using, select MP3 Encoder from the dropdown menu.
You can also select the desired MP3 quality here, such as 128 kbps, 192 kbps, or 320 kbps (higher bitrates give better quality but larger file sizes).

Step 3: Add Your AIFF File to iTunes/Apple Music

Click on File in the top menu and choose Add to Library or simply drag and drop the AIFF file into your iTunes or Apple Music library.

Step 4: Select the AIFF File

Locate the AIFF file in your library.
Click on the AIFF file to highlight it.

Step 5: Convert AIFF to MP3

With the AIFF file selected, click on the File menu again.
Choose Convert and then Create MP3 Version from the dropdown menu.

Step 6: Locate the MP3 File

Once the conversion is complete, the new MP3 version of your AIFF file will appear in your library.
You can find it next to the original AIFF file. Right-click the MP3 and select Show in Finder (on Mac) or Show in Windows Explorer (on PC) to locate the MP3 file on your computer.

Advantages of Using iTunes for Conversion

Here are a few benefits of using iTunes or Apple Music to convert AIFF files to MP3:

1. Easy to Use

The process is simple and can be done with just a few clicks. You don’t need any third-party software to perform the conversion.

2. Built-in MP3 Encoder

iTunes and Apple Music come with a built-in MP3 encoder, meaning you don’t have to worry about downloading additional tools or plugins.

3. Customizable Quality

You can select the bitrate of the MP3 file, allowing you to adjust the quality and file size based on your preferences.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question: yes, iTunes (or Apple Music on newer macOS versions) can easily convert AIFF to MP3. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any additional software, making it an accessible option for Mac and Windows users alike.

Whether you want smaller file sizes for portable devices or need a more widely compatible format for sharing, converting AIFF to MP3 with iTunes is a fast and effective solution.

Can iTunes Convert AIFF to MP3?