Download lossless ALAC file from Apple Music

Look at Music > Preferences > Playback and the Audio Quality section. You can enable Lossless audio and set your options for streaming and downloads. In my tests so far it seems that regardless of my choices I get an HLS package that is the same size each time and presumably contains the same track in the different available resolutions. Note this is downloaded into the Apple Music folder in the media folder. You're not getting an unlocked Apple Lossless version of past purchases or matched tracks.

tt2

rudolffischer wrote:

Another question. Does getting HLS packages mean, I can only use the downloads within the Apple Music ecosystem.

I'm pretty sure it does. From About lossless audio in Apple Music - Apple Support:

Can I redownload my iTunes purchases in lossless?

If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can redownload music in lossless only from the Apple Music catalog.

tt2

Hi Steve,

A few observations.

1. Matched tracks - if download removed you can redownload as HLS into Apple folder. The file size are different for each track. I have been able to confirm that that download of Tangerine Dreams "The Angel of the West Wing" file sizes are identical to my ALAC ripped CD .
2. This is the same for Purchased albums
3. Bit hit and miss though. Some tracks but not all are converted. I even have tracks that tell me are lossless but only play for 14 Secs
4. Play count not working even if track downloaded

Using iMac and playing through internal speakers

Jim

For 1. try changing your quality settings and/or lossless preference, note the size of current HLS package, then remove download and redownload. I seem to get the same thing each time.

tt2