MusicXConnections, made clear
Sources & permissions
Stream your own music from your cloud or server. Keep your local files in the same library.
Your music sources
MusicX for iPhone, iPad, and Mac supports local files, a selected iCloud music folder, and SMB/NAS. Stream music you own from iCloud or a reachable network share while keeping local folders in the same library. Apple TV support is not included.
These features are development previews. Original local-file playback is free on iPhone. iPad and Mac require Full Access for playback. Cloud and network playback, sync, downloads, and other premium features require Full Access on Apple devices.
Android is under development. Features vary by build; it does not connect to iCloud.
Streaming uses a temporary playback cache. Downloading selected music for offline listening is a separate choice; a downloaded cloud track still requires Full Access on Apple devices.
Music folders and sync are different
A music source is a folder or service containing your audio files. You can add multiple sources to a library. A preferred playback source tells MusicX which available copy to favor; it is not a switch that removes the other sources.
A sync point holds MusicX information such as library state, playlists, your queue, and your last playback position. Devices need access to the same configured sync point to share that state. Syncing this information does not automatically upload your music files.
You can use local music without connecting a cloud account. Connected features depend on your platform, permissions, and network availability.
Choose a source
| Source | Platforms | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud folder | iPhone, iPad & Mac | Select a folder containing your own music. Full Access required. |
| SMB / NAS | Apple; Android in development | Connect an authorized network share. Full Access required on Apple devices. |
| Local folders | Apple; Android in development | Choose a folder or grant media access. Original local playback is free on iPhone; iPad and Mac require Full Access. |
Network sources must be reachable and access permitted. Android does not support iCloud. Windows is under development; an Apple TV app is not available.
Playlists, source preferences, and offline music
Apple development builds import M3U, M3U8, PLS, XSPF, and WPL playlist files. Import organizes references to your music; it does not supply a catalog, grant access to files, or download arbitrary links listed in a playlist. Tracks must be available through sources you have authorized.
A preferred playback source chooses which available copy of a song to favor. It does not merge your storage accounts or remove other sources.
With Full Access, use the download controls for eligible songs and collections from your connected sources. Downloads must finish before you rely on them offline. Removing a managed download is different from deleting your original music or disconnecting a source.
Earlier test-build connections
For information about connections used in earlier test builds, including permissions and how to revoke access, see our privacy policy.
Nearby devices, USB transfers, and CDs
Local pairing authorizes a connection between MusicX apps. It is separate from cloud account access. Nearby discovery uses your local network; wireless transfers need a reachable, authorized destination.
Mac development builds support two-way transfers with compatible USB/MTP music players: export selected music from the Mac or import selected music from the device into a chosen Mac folder. The USB/MTP route does not need a MusicX app or camera on the player. Compatibility, permissions, and available storage depend on the device; this is separate from USB audio playback.
With a compatible drive, Mac development builds can play and rip audio CDs in formats including FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, and AAC. These Mac features are development previews.
Your lyrics and optional recognition
The upcoming Apple version uses only lyrics embedded in your music or lyrics you paste or import as plain text or LRC. It does not look up lyrics online. Timed highlighting requires timed lyrics; plain text does not automatically become synchronized.
Earlier Apple and Android builds may still contact online lyrics providers. Requests can include song title, artist, album, duration, and your IP address. Provider retention and linkage of request data are unknown. See privacy details.
ShazamKit recognition is separate from lyrics and may send an audio signature to Shazam where available. Recognition results do not by themselves grant rights to artwork or other provider content.
Keep control of your connections
Manage source connections in MusicX Settings. Before removing a source or deleting downloaded files, read the confirmation carefully: removing downloaded music is different from disconnecting an account. Disconnecting an account also does not necessarily delete data already stored by that provider.