Run iTunes 10 + 11 together? Two versions instances on one Mac

[Ancandis]

Hello,
I can't give up using iTunes 10 but need iTunes 11 to sync iOS 7 devices. I have iTunes Match.

How can I use both versions on a single Mac? Also, how can I open two iTunes libraries with two separate iTunes copies? Thanks.

These are the tasks for

iTunes 10:
- playing smart playlists using iTunes DJ*
- iTunes DJ rating feature for parties
- "genius recommendations" in the iTunes sidebar

iTunes 11:
- sync iOS 7 devices (music, podcasts)


* iTunes 10 will continue playing back songs in smart (dynamic) playlists even if a condition isn't met anymore, e.g. A smart playlist "unrated songs" is playing and the current song continues to play even if a star rating will be assigned. iTunes 11 can't do that.

 

[maflynn]

I think you're asking for trouble and risk corrupting your iTunes library. I'd say just do what the rest of us have already done - embrace the dark side and use iTunes 11

 

[old-wiz]

If you access an iTunes library via iTunes 11 and then try to access it via iTunes 10 it is almost certain that iTunes 10 will report a corrupted iTunes library. I suspect that iTunes puts stuff in the Applications folder and some of it would be version dependent. Even if you try to have separate iTunes libraries, you would most likely eventually forget to use the right one with the right version of iTunes.

It's almost certain to create an awful mess.

You could create an external clone and use iTunes 11 on it, but this would be messy.

all in all...don't bother.

 

[SteveParsons]

If you access an iTunes library via iTunes 11 and then try to access it via iTunes 10 it is almost certain that iTunes 10 will report a corrupted iTunes library. I suspect that iTunes puts stuff in the Applications folder and some of it would be version dependent. Even if you try to have separate iTunes libraries, you would most likely eventually forget to use the right one with the right version of iTunes.

It's almost certain to create an awful mess.

You could create an external clone and use iTunes 11 on it, but this would be messy.

all in all...don't bother.

[doublepost=1503932219][/doublepost]I have exactly the same issue, except I want to run iTunes 11 for my large music library, and be free to run whatever version is currently needed to sync my iphone. At the moment, that it iTunes 12.

My solution will be to simply hold Option prior to launching iTunes 12 and picking my iPhone Sync Library.

I also plan to continue using Carbon Copy Cloner to automatically backup versions of my iTunes Music Library to another drive, just in case I forget and launch 12 with my music library. (This is unlikely to occur, since if you launch iTunes 12 without hoilding option, it should use whatever library iTunes 12 last used. Same with 11.

 

[Partron22]

I use iTunes 10.4.1 and iTunes 12.6.2, on the same Mac.
I've been doing it for a while, but it's still working fine.
You have to delete 12, install 10, give it a nice name like "myTunes", then install 11 or 12 for your store and syncing stuff.

You must keep separate music libraries for the two versions, and be sure never to open your lower versioned library with the later version. It'll update the library structure on you, and you won't be able to open with 10 anymore.
-Fortunately, "the Previous iTunes Libraries" folders keeps copies of the library before changes get made, so when you mess up, recovery is simple. I've got 260GB in iTunes 10, and 560MB in iTunes 12. -You can tell which version I prefer.

I've never tried going to the store using iTunes 10. Some of the code 12 installs may cause trouble if 10 calls it.
Better to be safe and just use the store with the iTunes version you installed most recently. You can always export music, and drag it into your other iTunes library after quitting and bringing up the older version.