This article shows you how to install iTunes on computers running the Linux operating system. While there is no version of iTunes specifically created for Linux platforms, you can download the version of the program intended for Windows computers and use the WINE emulator to run it on Linux. Remember that in this case you will need to use a Linux distribution with a graphical interface and an internet browser. When using iTunes on a Linux system, it is not possible to synchronize data with Apple devices such as iPhone or iPod.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Install WINE
Step 1. Launch the computer software manager
This is the program you use to install new programs on your Linux system and the procedure to follow varies from distribution to distribution. It is usually located directly on the System Dock or in one of the GUI menus.
- For example if you are using Ubuntu, click the white and orange "Ubuntu Software" icon.
- As of August 2018 the WINE emulator is no longer compatible with Ubuntu 18.04. To work around this limitation, you must install the program manually by following the instructions at the end of this section.
Step 2. Click the Linux search bar
Using some specific distributions you will need to click on a magnifying glass icon. The search window will appear.
Step 3. Type the keyword wine
A search for the WINE program will be performed.
Step 4. Click the WINE item
The corresponding information page will be displayed.
Step 5. Click the Install button
It should be positioned somewhere on the appeared page.
Step 6. Enter your Linux login password when prompted
This will confirm your willingness to install WINE and the program will be downloaded to your computer. The installation of WINE can take several minutes.
Remember that if you are using Ubuntu 18.04 you will need to install WINE manually by following the instructions below
Step 7. Install WINE manually
If the Linux software manager was unable to locate WINE, you can perform the installation using the "Terminal" window:
- Access the following website using your computer's internet browser;
- Select the link to download the installation file for your Linux distribution (for example Fedora);
- Follow the installation instructions in the following section of the article.
Part 2 of 2: Install iTunes
Step 1. Go to the website to download the iTunes installation file
Copy the following URL https://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ into your browser's address bar.
Step 2. Select the link Download the app from here
It is placed to the right of the text string "Are you looking for the 32-bit Windows version?". The iTunes installation file will be downloaded to your computer.
- If you are using an Ubuntu system, press the button 64-bit download.
- Depending on your internet browser settings, you may need to confirm the download by pressing the button Save (or similar).
- Within WINE it is not possible to use the version of iTunes for 64-bit systems.
- If you are using Ubuntu, you will need to double click on the iTunes installation file after the download is complete and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen. To install iTunes on Ubuntu systems it is not necessary to use PlayOnLinux.
Step 3. Install PlayOnLinux
It is a service that acts as an intermediary between the WINE emulator and iTunes. Follow these instructions:
- Open a "Terminal" window (if you can't find the application icon, press the key combination Ctrl + Alt + T).
- Type the command sudo apt install playonlinux and press the Enter key.
- Enter your account security password and press the Enter key.
- Type the letter y when prompted and press the Enter key.
Step 4. Start the PlayOnLinux service
Type the playonlinux command in the "Terminal" window and press the Enter key.
Step 5. Select the Install a program item
It is a link located on the left side of the window that appeared.
Step 6. Search for the iTunes program
Click the search bar at the top of the window, type in the keyword itunes and press the Enter key.
Step 7. Choose iTunes option 12
It is visible on the left side of the page.
Step 8. Press the Install button
It is located in the lower right corner of the window.
Step 9. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen
Push the button Next until the option appears Browse.
Step 10. Press the Browse button when prompted
A dialog will appear that will allow you to select the iTunes installation file that you downloaded in the previous steps.
Step 11. Select the iTunes installation file
Click the entry Download located in the left part of the window that appeared, then double-click the iTunes installation file icon.
Step 12. Press the Next button
It is located at the bottom of the window. The iTunes installation will start automatically.
Step 13. Wait for the iTunes installation to finish
This step may take several minutes to complete, so please be patient. At this point you can use iTunes to listen to your music.
Before the installation is complete, you may need to press the button Come on or to select other additional options.
Advice
- Even though iTunes on Linux doesn't allow you to sync data with iOS devices (iPhone, iPad or iPod), you'll still be able to use it to listen to your music or watch videos.
- Ubuntu system users can only install iTunes after manually installing the WINE emulator on the computer. Double-click the iTunes installation file icon and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen. Starting with Ubuntu version 18.04, this is the only way to be able to install iTunes on this Linux distribution.
