How to move iTunes library & iPhone backups from El Capitan to a new Mac?

I'm setting up a new MacBook Air (macOS Tahoe) and replacing my old MacBook Pro running OS X El Capitan.

All of my music and local iPhone backups are currently stored in iTunes on the old Mac.

How do I transfer my iTunes library so that it opens correctly on the new Mac?
How do local iPhone backups and syncing work on new Macs now that iTunes has been replaced?

Thanks in advance for the guidance!

Posted on Oct 21, 2026 8:50 AM

2 replies

Servant of Cats

Level 9 (55,707 points)

Nov 7, 2026 8:51 AM in response to scwalters101

For iPhone syncing and management, you now use the Finder.

Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer – Apple Support

If you're trying to get to the iTunes Store, it's still there, but it's probably hidden by default. To make it accessible again, go into Music > Settings and check off the appropriate box.

Buy music from the iTunes Store on your Mac – Apple Support

Limnos

Level 10 (462,771 points)

Nov 5, 2026 6:14 PM in response to scwalters101

Read this community user tip --> https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-10831 ome parts of it refer to Windows but I think most of it applies to Macs too.

El Capitan to Tahoe is a huge jump. I know that when I tried to open my iTunes 7 library file in Sequoia that it failed to do so. Many years ago Apple transitioned from iTunes to Music and I suspect that they only supported reading old libraries for a few years around the transition period. If you find that to be the case then your media files should still play but you may need to rebuild your library entirely. Be prepared for a big shock (I think big disappointment). Music is very different from iTunes. :-/

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256380301