What is the M4P file format?
.m4p is Apple's FairPlay DRM-protected audio format, used exclusively for songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store between its launch on April 28, 2003, and Apple's removal of DRM in April 2009.
The file uses the same ISO Base Media File Format container as .m4a - an ftyp box with major brand M4P identifies the file - but the AAC audio track inside is encrypted with AES-128 using Apple's FairPlay scheme. Playback requires an Apple ID authorization linked to the device; iTunes or the Music app validates the license with Apple's servers. As a result, .m4p files cannot be played by VLC, Foobar2000, or any non-Apple software that lacks FairPlay decryption.
Audio quality is AAC at 44,100 Hz; early iTunes Store purchases were encoded at 128 kbps, with later purchases reaching 256 kbps before the DRM-free transition.
Since April 2009, all new iTunes Store purchases are DRM-free .m4a files at 256 kbps AAC. Existing .m4p purchases can be upgraded to DRM-free copies via iTunes Match or by re-downloading titles where Apple has since re-licensed the content. Apple Music (launched 2015) streams DRM-protected audio, but those are not locally stored .m4p files - they use a separate streaming protection mechanism.
The format is effectively frozen; no new .m4p files are sold or created today. It remains relevant only for users with older iTunes libraries that predate the 2009 DRM-free transition.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWM4P is a legacy audio format; it is not a malware vector. FairPlay DRM means it only plays in Apple software, which limits any execution risk. Sites offering to 'remove DRM' may bundle adware - download nothing; use iTunes Match instead.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open M4P files
Windows1 app
iTunes
Free Sign in with the purchasing Apple ID. Double-click the .m4p to add to library and play. Computer must be authorized (Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer). 
macOS2 apps
QuickTime Player
Built-in Will open .m4p only if the Mac is authorized for that Apple ID via Music/iTunes. 
Apple Music (Music.app)
Free Sign in with the purchasing Apple ID. Drag .m4p into the Music library or double-click to add and play.
Apple Music (iOS)
Built-in M4P files in iCloud Music Library play on iOS when the device is authorized. Direct file transfer plays via Files app if authorized. Technical details
deep spec| Container | ISO Base Media File Format (ISO/IEC 14496-12); ftyp box major brand `M4P ` |
| Audio codec | AAC (Advanced Audio Coding, lossy) - identical codec to .m4a; originally 128 kbps, later 256 kbps |
| DRM scheme | FairPlay - AES-128 encryption of the AAC audio track; Apple proprietary |
| Authorization | Apple ID token bound to device/iTunes account; server-side license validation required for playback |
| Sample rate | 44,100 Hz (standard for all iTunes Music Store purchases) |
| Magic bytes | `66 74 79 70 4D 34 50 20` ("ftypM4P ") at offset 4 |
| Byte order | Big-endian (ISO-BMFF standard) |
| Typical file size | 3-12 MB per song (3-5 minutes at 128-256 kbps AAC) |
| Active sale period | April 28, 2003 - April 2009 (iTunes Music Store DRM era) |
| Superseded by | DRM-free .m4a at 256 kbps AAC; Apple removed DRM from the iTunes Store in April 2009 |
| Upgrade path | iTunes Match subscription or store re-download where the title is available DRM-free |
| Third-party playback | Not supported - FairPlay decryption is Apple-proprietary; VLC and most players cannot open .m4p |
| Released | April 28, 2003 (iTunes Music Store launch, iTunes 4.0) |
| Latest version | N/A - format frozen since FairPlay DRM implementation circa 2003; no formal versioning |
M4P conversions
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about M4P files.
