┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : Apple Inc.
│ CATEGORY : Video
│ MIME TYPE : video/x-m4v
│ MAGIC BYTES : 0000001866747970
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘
What is an M4V file?
M4V is a video container format developed by Apple, closely based on the MPEG-4 Part 14 (MP4) standard. The key difference is that M4V files may include Apple’s FairPlay DRM protection when purchased from the iTunes Store. Unprotected M4V files are functionally identical to MP4 files.
How to open M4V files
- Apple TV app / iTunes (macOS, Windows) — Native, handles DRM
- VLC Media Player (Windows, macOS, Linux) — DRM-free files only
- QuickTime Player (macOS) — Built-in
- Rename to .mp4 — Works for DRM-free files
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Container | MPEG-4 Part 14 variant |
| Video Codecs | H.264, H.265 |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, AC-3 |
| DRM | Apple FairPlay (optional) |
| Max Resolution | 4K (iTunes content) |
Common use cases
- iTunes purchases: Movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store.
- Apple ecosystem: Videos synced via iTunes to iOS devices.
- Personal media: Converted or recorded video on Mac.
- Podcast video: Video podcasts distributed via Apple Podcasts.