Buy or download items from the iTunes Store

Buy or download an item

  • Find the item you want, and click the button to download it (depending on the item, the button might say Buy, Free, Subscribe, a specific price, or something else).

To preview an item before purchasing, move the pointer over the item and click the Preview button . To see a list of all items you’ve previewed, click the Preview History button in the iTunes Store.

TV shows

You can buy individual episodes or entire seasons (buying an entire season at once can cost less). If you buy an entire season, you have these options (not all are available for all shows or in all countries):

  • Season Pass: For a season in progress. All available episodes are downloaded to your iTunes library; new episodes are downloaded when they become available.

    Important:  When new episodes become available, you’re notified via email. To download a new episode, click the link in the email. If you buy a season pass and then buy an individual episode, you’re charged again for the episode.

  • Buy All Episodes: For a season in progress. Purchases all available episodes for the current season, but not new episodes.

  • Multi-Pass: For shows that don’t have traditional “seasons” (for example, news programs). The latest episode is downloaded; each remaining episode is downloaded when it becomes available.

  • Buy Season: For a completed season. Purchases and downloads all episodes.

Many shows are available for download and purchase the day after they air; some shows may not be available for a few days.

Some shows are available in HD (high definition) format. When you buy an HD TV show, iTunes also downloads a standard-definition file, in case you want to view the show on a non-HD device or display. When you sync the show to your device, iTunes automatically transfers the correct file. To watch the show on your computer in standard definition, choose iTunes > Preferences, click Playback, and choose Standard Definition from the Preferred Video Version menu.

Books and audiobooks

You can read books by syncing them to your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, and using the free iBooks app (available from the App Store).

You can listen to audiobooks on your computer or your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad.

Many audiobooks provide a sample you can listen to before you buy the book. Samples are downloaded only to your device.

Spoken program files purchased from the iTunes Store end in “.m4b.”

Mobile apps and games

The App Store is a section of the iTunes Store. You can download apps to your computer and sync them to your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad.

You can use apps and play the games only on your device, not on your computer. Some apps might not work on all devices.