Files with m4a extension are audio files stored in MPEG-4 (MP4) container and use AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), or Apple Lossless (ALAC) audio compression. M4A is very popular on Mac computers, because it is default audio format used by iTunes. M4A is also default audio format for Apple portable devices (iPod, iPhone, iPad).
Software that open m4a file
M4A file extension - MPEG-4 compressed audio
What is m4a file? How to open m4a files?
File extension m4a is used with the audio files that are stored in MP4 (MPEG-4) media container and contain audio in AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) MPEG-4 lossy compression format, or in Apple Lossless (ALAC) audio format.
M4A is a shortcut for MPEG 4 Audio. M4A audio format is default format used by iTunes for Mac, as well as default audio format for Apple portable devices (iPod, iPhone, iPad).
MPEG-4 audio format was introduced in 2001 as a part of Apple QuickTime file format.
Updated: December 1, 2023
The default software associated to open m4a file:
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Windows 11 default media player is called Media Player. Microsoft developed it for the latest Windows 11 operating system (OS). Media Player replaces the old Windows Media Player, Windows 10 Groove Music, and Microsoft Movies & TV. It was released to all Win11 users on February 15, 2022.
Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.
A digital media application for playing and organizing digital music and video files. Also is used to manage Apple portable devices such as iPod, iPhone and iPad. iTunes has integrated iTunes Store service, where can users buy and download digital music, videos, applications for iOS devices, audiobooks, podcasts, ringtones etc. iTunes is distributed as a free software.
Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.
Apple iTunes is multimedia application distributed with Apple macOS operating system. It organizes and plays digital music and videos. iTunes is also used to manage Apple's portable devices, such as iPod, iPhone and iPad.
List of software applications associated to the .m4a file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open m4a file, edit m4a file, convert m4a file, view m4a file, play m4a file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting m4a files.
Software that open m4a file - MPEG-4 compressed audio
Programs supporting the exension m4a on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open m4a file action.