If your downloads are showing up as protected or in a different format, you may need to adjust your settings:
: Go to Music > Settings > Playback . Under "Lossless Audio," ensure the download option is set to High Quality (AAC 256kbps). download itunes m4a
: Uses AAC compression, which is more advanced than MP3, saving space without losing as much detail. If your downloads are showing up as protected
: Avoid downloading in "Lossless" or "Hi-Res" formats if you specifically need M4A files, as these are often saved in protected containers like .movpkg and require an active Apple Music subscription to play. iTunes - Apple which is more advanced than MP3