DRM implications of iCloud Library?

Igloo wrote:

Query:

My main question is, what are the DRM implications of uploaded music that wasn't purchased from Apple? I have a large number of files that I imported into iTunes, spanning several years. I can't remember where all of it came from originally, could be from vinyl, CD, tapes, assorted recordings etc.

DRM is not applied to music uploaded. MP3 and AAC music is uploaded as is but Lossless, AIFF or wav will be transcribed to AAC 256 kbps. This music is uploaded to your own iCloud Music library. No one else will have access to this music.

You should Backup your music on an external drive as a matter of course.

DRM is only applied to music obtained from Apple Music library. If you opt to delete a Matched track and either stream or download lossless version, such tracks will have DRM.

Jim

When Apple Music was first released matched content downloaded to a separate library would arrive with DRM unless you also had a subscription to iTunes Match. Thankfully that limitation was removed so this should no longer be an issue. DRM should only be present on the Apple Music subscription content that you've added over and above what is/was yours before you started. Mismatches are still a possibility so you should retain a complete copy of your library somewhere and, if needed, be prepared to copy the correct version of a song to another computer if you spot a discrepancy. You don't need to worry about the publish on profile and search features, they allow you to "share" playlists in an Apple Music friendly way which allows others to the same lists on Apple Music, but aren't the same as you illegally sharing files. Occasionally corrupt downloads from Apple may repeatedly prompt you to authorise your computer when it is already authorized. Delete such files and redownload. FWIW I believe the download process is more reliable if you turn off the option to allow simultaneous downloads that you can find in the activity widget.

tt2