About multiple iTunes Libraries and the macOS Catalina Beta

The initial beta release of macOS Catalina doesn’t support switching between multiple iTunes Libraries. If you have multiple iTunes Libraries and install the beta, here’s what you need to do.

Install Apple beta software on non-production devices that aren’t business critical. We strongly recommend installing beta software on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac. AppleCare doesn’t support pre-release software. You can provide feedback to Apple using the Feedback Assistant app.

If you use multiple iTunes Libraries, please ensure you have access to an officially supported version of macOS prior to the general availability of macOS Catalina this fall. The initial macOS Catalina Beta only opens the previously selected iTunes Library on your Mac.

Before you install the macOS Catalina Beta, choose the iTunes Library that you want to use on your test computer:

  1. In the iTunes app on your Mac, choose iTunes > Quit iTunes.
  2. Hold down the Option key while you open iTunes.
  3. In the window that appears, Click Choose Library.

The iTunes Library that you choose will be the Library that opens with the beta versions of Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. Your other music files, media, and additional iTunes Libraries will remain wherever you have saved them.

Learn more about the new Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts apps arriving this fall.

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