Native bit depth and bit rate output for Apple Music on MacOS


I asked this question over three years ago, still no resolution.

If you share my desire to see this feature please submit a feature request here


Feedback - Apple Music - Apple


I have my mac mini connected via usb to an external DAC. Given the different bit rates and sample depths available now via streaming from Apple Music my Mac mini should automatically output the native bit depth and sample rate streaming from Apple Music to my DAC. I shouldn't have to change the Audio Midi settings manually everytime the bit rate changes. iOS can do this already, long past time for MacOS to catch up.





Posted on Feb 23, 2025 8:32 AM

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Mar 22, 2025 12:08 AM in response to ToddSanders

I'm still on intel architecture – unfortunately I can't give a feedback for M series Macs.


Here Lossless Switcher works. There're some quirks:

  • The current version opens a blank window when the app is opened (minor annoyance)
  • There's often a short pause between the played track and the next one due to the bit rate switching
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Feb 24, 2025 12:46 AM in response to Yodalogger

It's a know limit in macOS with Apple Music.


There's a utility named LosslessSwitcher (https://github.com/vincentneo/LosslessSwitcher) which switches automatically the sample rate of streamed music. It's an ongoing project and thus not perfect. Still, better than nothing.

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Mar 21, 2025 12:44 PM in response to Marco Klobas

I am unable to get Lossless Switcher to run properly (will install and open but will not run) on my Mac Mini M1 2020 while connected to (i) my SMSL D12 headphone DAC/AMP (connected via USB C) nor (ii) my Yamaha TSR-700 AVR connected via HDMI while utilizing the MAC Apple Music app. Any suggestions?

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Native bit depth and bit rate output for Apple Music on MacOS

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