If crashes persist, open Retroactive, uninstall iTunes, and reinstall version 12.6.5, which offers a simpler architecture that is sometimes more stable on Big Sur. Summary: Should You Force iTunes onto Big Sur?
Look at the on the left, under the " Locations " section. Click on your device name.
If your connected iPhone or iPad does not show up in the Finder sidebar, open Finder, click Finder in the top menu bar, select Preferences , and navigate to the Sidebar tab. Ensure that CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices is checked.
Open the Apple TV app and click the "Store" tab. 4. Troubleshooting: iTunes Legacy Functionality
Apple removed iTunes from the operating system starting with macOS Catalina (10.15) and continued this policy through Big Sur (11.x), Monterey (12.x), Ventura (13.x), and beyond. The last version of macOS that natively supports the classic iTunes application is macOS Mojave (10.14).
Syncing and backing up iPhones/iPads is now handled directly in when the device is connected. This decouples sync logic from media playback — a cleaner separation of concerns.
There is an open-source tool called that forces iTunes 12.9.5 to run on Big Sur. It works by bypassing system integrity protection (SIP) and injecting old frameworks.
: Use the Apple Podcasts App for subscribing to and listening to shows.
iTunes on macOS Big Sur 11.7: A Guide to Managing Media in the Post-iTunes Era
: To back up, restore, or sync your devices, open Finder . Your device will appear in the sidebar under "Locations" when connected to your Mac. Can you still get iTunes on Big Sur?
Look under the section in the left sidebar and click on your device. If prompted, click Trust on both your Mac and your device.
Look in the sidebar under "Locations." You will see your device listed there.
