Officially, Apple does not support or provide an iTunes installer for macOS Big Sur. However, if you have a specific technical need for the legacy interface, some users utilize third-party workarounds like Retroactive, an open-source tool that attempts to modify old versions of iTunes to run on newer macOS versions. It was the summer of 2020, and the
Tips and troubleshooting
If your music library didn’t migrate: Close the Music app, locate your old iTunes Library file (~/Music/iTunes/ or ~/Music/Music/), and import using Music > File > Import. You can also point Music to an existing library by holding Option while launching Music and choosing a library file.
Finder won’t show your device: Try a different USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked and “Trust This Computer” confirmed, and update macOS and the device to the latest compatible versions.
Missing purchases: Sign in with the same Apple ID used for purchases. In Music or TV, use Account > Purchased to re-download missing items.
Third-party device managers: Some users who relied on iTunes-specific workflows use third-party apps (e.g., for advanced ringtone editing or managing apps). Verify compatibility with Big Sur and current macOS security settings before installing.