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An aspect of iTunes Match that Apple has touted is the capability to “upgrade” tracks that have been matched as 256 kbps AAC files, “even if your original copy was of lower quality.” This covers two types of tracks. The first are tracks purchased from the iTunes Store prior to April 2009, which had DRM and were sold at 128 kbps. The second is tracks you’ve ripped from CDs—or obtained by other means—which you can match, then re-download in upgraded versions.

Note that you cannot upgrade tracks with only an Apple Music subscription; if you don’t have an iTunes Match subscription, matched files contain DRM, and you can’t use them after your subscription has lapsed.

To upgrade tracks, simply match, delete, and re-download:

1. Select the tracks you want to upgrade.
2. Press Option-Delete.An alert asks if you want to delete these tracks from your library. The same alert contains a checkbox asking if you want to delete the tracks from iCloud; don’t check this option.
3. Click the Delete Songs (or Items) button.The tracks are no longer on your computer, but they are listed in your library with the download icon next to them.
4. Click the download icon for a track you want to download, or select a group of tracks, Control-click and choose Download.

You get new files at 256 kbps, without DRM.