Since a recent update, MP3 files I send through Messages arrive on iPhone renamed as .m4a and won’t play. There’s no play button in the message bubble, and tapping it shows a blank preview labeled “Apple MPEG-4 audio.”
The file isn’t actually converted. It’s still MP3 data, just with an .m4a extension. The received file is exactly the same size as the original MP3 (7.9 MB), and the original plays fine on my Mac. iPhone sees “.m4a,” can’t read the MP3 data inside, and won’t play it.
Details:
Mac: macOS 27.0.1 (Golden Gate), sending from Messages
iPhone 15, iOS 27.0.1
File: standard MP3, 48 kHz, 160 kbps constant bit rate, stereo, bounced from Logic Pro
Recipient sees: “[filename].m4a, Audio Recording, 7.9 MB”
This used to work fine. Is there any way to stop Messages from changing audio attachments? Sending an MP3 by text shouldn’t break it.