iTunes Plus uses AAC (.m4a) files offering better audio quality and smaller files than MP3. This guide lists recent changes, explains AAC/M4A vs other formats, and shows reputable sites and services (stores, streaming platforms, and legal download sources) where you can find high-quality AAC/M4A music and new releases.
The Ultimate Guide to iTunes Plus AAC M4A: Why It Still Rules Your Library itunes plus aac m4a sites new
Unlike messy MP3s, these files came with perfect metadata, high-resolution album art, and "Mastered for iTunes" tags. iTunes Plus uses AAC (
, you can choose your preferred format upon purchase, including high-bitrate AAC/M4A. Management & Conversion Import Settings: , you can choose your preferred format upon
Why 256 kbps? When Apple launched iTunes Plus in 2007 (originally 128kbps AAC, upgraded to 256kbps in 2009), they commissioned listening tests. The results showed that most listeners could not distinguish a 256kbps AAC file from a lossless CD source (1411kbps WAV) in blind A/B testing.