AIFF

📚 Key Takeaways:

📌 What is AIFF? AIFF is an audio format from Apple Inc. designed for storing high-quality audio data. Files with the .aiff or .aif extension are uncompressed. Compressed AIFF files will have the extension .aifc.

📌 What does AIFF stand for? AIFF stands for ‘Audio Interchange File Format’.

📌 Is AIFF obsolete? No. Although the AIFF format has been around for over 35 years, this format is still widely used on MacOS.

📌 Is AIFF the same as MP3? No. These two audio formats are different in many aspects. For example, AIFF is uncompressed while MP3 is lossy. AIFF files are primarily used by MacOS, while MP3 supports universal playback across different operating systems and devices. But you can convert between AIFF and MP3 to suit your needs. There are many AIFF converters available for your choice.

Overview Table of the AIFF Format

Category	Details
File Format	AIFF
Full Name	Audio Interchange File Format
Media Type	Audio
Format Type	Container format
File Extension	.aiff, .aif, .aifc
Encoding method	PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation)
Developed by	Apple Inc.
Initial Release	1988
History	In 1988, Apple Inc. invented AIFF based on Electronic Arts’ Interchange File Format. It is used for storing uncompressed audio data and is till widely used in music production nowadays.
Features	▪ Natively supported by Mac computer systems ▪ Apple software like GarageBand, Logic Pro, iTunes, etc. ▪ Players like VLC
Uses	▪ Edit and archive original audio files ▪ Broadcast ▪ Music production (sound sample libraries or sound effects)
Cons	▪ Large file size ▪ Limited metadata support ▪ Limited compatibility outside the MacOS and Apple products ▪ Not suitable for sharing online

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_Interchange_File_Format)
https://www.mmsp.ece.mcgill.ca/Documents/AudioFormats/AIFF/Docs/AIFF-1.3.pdf
https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/aiff

How to Play AIFF Files on Windows or Android?

If you want to play AIFF audio files outside of Apple platforms, you can try these solutions:

📍 Solution 1. Try a Versatile Media Player

There are many powerful media players packed with wide codec and format support, including AIFF. Some of the most popular options among these AIFF players include:

VLC Media Player (Muti-platform)
MediaPlayerLite (Windows)
Onkyo HF Player (Android)

📍 Solution 2. Install AIFF Codec or the K-Lite Codec Pack

📍 Solution 3. Convert AIFF/AIFC to Compatible Formats

You can use Apple’s built-in app iTunes to convert AIFF or AIFC files to other universally accepted formats like MP3. If you encounter the AIFF, AIF files, or AIFC on Windows, try a dedicated converter i.e. WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro. Designed with an intuitive interface, it can convert AIFF to MP3, WAV, OGG, WMA, and other formats with only 3 steps!

Download, install, and launch the powerful converter to enjoy your music anywhere!

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