Burning Music CDs in 2025
Still Possible with Apple Music
Burning CDs might feel like a thing of the past, but sometimes, the old ways are still the best solution. While it's true that most modern cars have ditched CD players in favor of Bluetooth and USB options, there are still moments when creating a CD makes sense.
Why I Burned a CD Recently
I was working on a project for my church that required background music to be played using a CD player. Streaming wasn't an option, and USB compatibility was out of the question. So, I turned to my trusty Mac to see if CD burning was still viable. To my surprise, Apple Music still supports this functionality - and it’s relatively easy to do.
What You Need
- A Mac computer with Apple Music installed
- A CD/DVD burner - you can use Apple's SuperDrive or a third-party model from Amazon
- Blank CD-R discs (audio CD format recommended for maximum compatibility)
- A playlist with music ready to burn
Steps to Burn a CD in Apple Music
- Create a new playlist and add your desired tracks.
- Ensure all tracks are downloaded locally (not streamed).
- Insert a blank CD-R into your external CD/DVD drive.
- Right-click on the playlist name in Apple Music and select "Burn Playlist to Disc".
- Choose Audio CD as the disc format and configure the gap between songs if needed.
- Click Burn and wait while Apple Music creates your disc.
Important Tips
- Stick with CD-Rs instead of CD-RWs for best compatibility with older CD players.
- Make sure your burner is connected directly to your Mac, not through a USB hub.
- Test the CD in the target player before your event or presentation.
Final Thoughts
Even in 2025, it's good to know you can still burn a CD when needed. Apple hasn't removed the feature, and with the right hardware, you can create audio discs with ease. Whether it's for a car, a presentation, or an archival project, the humble CD still has a place - even if it's a small one.