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Shirasaki

macrumors P6
Original poster
May 16, 2015
15,750
11,103
Since iOS 10, Apple has this thing around for 3 iOS versions now. In iOS 13, I thought they might think it a bit clearer for local music library user. But no.
9EDACFB0-B309-4DA8-979C-7EE38980C1C0.jpeg

I can kinda guess “remove downloads” remove cached music on device, while “delete from library” removes local cache and delete the music from iCloud music library. But there seems to be no distinguished difference between those options. Last time I used it one option actually deleted the music stored on device, forcing me to sync again.
I have tried to grow and tolerate this newly designed music app from iOS 10. But ugh...
 

Nermal

Moderator
Staff member
Dec 7, 2002
20,680
4,111
New Zealand
I've never seen that message but I have no idea what it's asking. I can only suggest submitting feedback (or even a bug report as "enhancement suggestion") if you haven't already.
 

Day_

macrumors newbie
Apr 25, 2019
11
38
Remove downloads removes the songs from your device storage but the album/playlist will still show in your library which you can stream.

Remove from library removes it from your library and will sync across all devices and you will no longer see the album/playlist.
 

MLVC

macrumors demi-god
Apr 30, 2015
1,603
3,745
Maastricht, The Netherlands
Remove downloads removes the songs from your device storage but the album/playlist will still show in your library which you can stream.

Remove from library removes it from your library and will sync across all devices and you will no longer see the album/playlist.

This. I don't really see the issue here, thought the difference was rather clear.
 

Shirasaki

macrumors P6
Original poster
May 16, 2015
15,750
11,103
Remove downloads removes the songs from your device storage but the album/playlist will still show in your library which you can stream.

Remove from library removes it from your library and will sync across all devices and you will no longer see the album/playlist.
Yes. I can figure that out. But the context is these two options look super weird for people who Are still syncing music with iTunes (and a lot of them).
 

Ansath

macrumors demi-god
Jun 9, 2018
4,460
4,827
England
Yes. I can figure that out. But the context is these two options look super weird for people who Are still syncing music with iTunes (and a lot of them).

Pit still works for them too, as they can delete from device, rather than waiting until they sync with iTunes.
 
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smirking

macrumors 68040
Aug 31, 2003
3,765
3,746
Silicon Valley
Yes. I can figure that out. But the context is these two options look super weird for people who Are still syncing music with iTunes (and a lot of them).

The option makes more sense for people who only want to keep a portion of their iTunes library stored on a device. I mostly play everything off of my MBP. My iOS devices always just have downloads from the playlists I listen to the most.
 

Shirasaki

macrumors P6
Original poster
May 16, 2015
15,750
11,103
Pit still works for them too, as they can delete from device, rather than waiting until they sync with iTunes.
Users are able to delete songs directly from iPhone/iPad for a long time.
 

Ansath

macrumors demi-god
Jun 9, 2018
4,460
4,827
England
Users are able to delete songs directly from iPhone/iPad for a long time.

Yes, I know that, you're missing what I mean though. You have the option there, and it's applicable to both types of users. I wasn't saying it's a new thing.
 

AMTYVLE

macrumors 6502a
Sep 23, 2014
700
615
Florida
Remove downloads removes the songs from your device storage but the album/playlist will still show in your library which you can stream.

Remove from library removes it from your library and will sync across all devices and you will no longer see the album/playlist.

Also, for 'Remove from Library'...You also lose your $$$ you paid when you originally purchased the content. Which I always thought was crappy...Too bad Apple couldn't implement a system where the $$$ was put back on your iTunes balance or Apple Pay Cash card, without having to contact Apple for a refund or whatever.
 

mariusignorello

Suspended
Jun 9, 2013
2,092
3,168
Also, for 'Remove from Library'...You also lose your $$$ you paid when you originally purchased the content. Which I always thought was crappy...Too bad Apple couldn't implement a system where the $$$ was put back on your iTunes balance or Apple Pay Cash card, without having to contact Apple for a refund or whatever.
The music would still appear in your Purchased tab in iTunes. Purchased media is not actually lost permanently.
 

saudor

macrumors 68000
Jul 18, 2011
1,510
2,111
this is that playlist glitch where it keeps getting duplicated. it’s super annoying. happens randomly
 

symphony

macrumors 68020
Aug 25, 2016
2,207
2,593
I didn’t find it difficult to distinguish the two actions...

‘Remove download’ means to remove the download of the selected item. This option only shows up when I have downloaded the content.

And ‘delete from library’ is to remove the item from your library.

Sounds pretty straightforward to me.
 
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