GarageBand is a software application by Apple for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices that allows users to create music or podcasts.

The app's music and podcast creation system enables users to create multiple tracks with software synthesizer presets (to be played on a MIDI keyboard and/or sequenced on a piano roll), pre-made and user-created loops, an array of various effects, and voice recordings.

Steve Jobs announced the application in his keynote speech at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco on January 6, 2004.

GarageBand also offers the ability to record at both 16-bit and 24-bit Audio Resolution,[6] but at a fixed sample rate of 44.1 kHz.

These can be used to create original compositions or play music live through the use of a USB MIDI keyboard connected to the computer.

Up to five simulated effects can be layered on top of the virtual amplifiers, which feature adjustable parameters including tone, reverb, and volume.

Guitars can be connected to Macs using the built-in input (requires hardware that can produce a standard stereo signal using a 3.5mm output) or a USB interface.

GarageBand can import MIDI files and offers piano roll or notation-style editing and playback.

By complying with the MIDI Standard, a user can edit many different aspects of a recorded note, including pitch, velocity, and duration.

[8] While offering comprehensive control over MIDI files, GarageBand does not include several features of professional-level DAWs, such as a sequencer for drum tracks separate from the normal piano roll.

Also of note, MIDI sequences edited or created in GarageBand cannot be exported to other DAWs or programs without first being converted to audio.

Attempting to click on and select the dimmed audio units to apply to the track causes promotional prompts to appear, requiring the user to log on with their Apple ID and furnish credit card information before knowing the price of the bundle.

The Additional Audio Loops are as follows Jam Packs are Apple's official add-ons for GarageBand.

New Zealand band Evermore also released the source multi-track files for GarageBand for their song "Never Let You Go".

There is also only limited support for messages sent from knobs on MIDI keyboards, as only real-time pitch bend, modulation, sustain, and foot control are recognizable.

The keyboard has several additional features including a pitch bend, arpeggiator and "autoplay" function (which will play one of four rhythms for each instrument).

They are capable of playing notes legato, staccato, and pizzicato depending on if the user swipes up and down, flicks or taps their screen respectively.

The orchestra is customizable, including four different string styles (all with a different "autoplay" feature) and the option to choose which instruments to play.

The Audio Unit Extensions feature allows third-party instruments and effect plug-ins to be played and used directly inside GarageBand as if they were native to the app.

On November 1, 2011, Apple introduced GarageBand for iOS 1.1, adding support for the iPhone and iPod Touch, among other features.

It also included Jam Session, a feature that enables up to four iPhones, iPod Touches, and/or iPads with GarageBand installed to play simultaneously.

The update added support for Audiobus, the ability to remove grid snapping, and minor bug fixes.

GarageBand 2.0 features a new design to match iOS 7, an extended number of tracks per song, and new functions in the Sampler instrument.

[22] In January 2017, version 2.2 was released with a number of new features including the Alchemy Synth previously only available in Logic Pro.

On January 6, 2011, GarageBand was made available independently on the Mac App Store in addition to iPhoto and iMovie.

[citation needed] GarageBand has been embraced by many musicians of varying levels of fame in order to record and produce music.

Steve Lacy used the GarageBand app on his cracked 2012 iPhone to produce music for his solo projects, the Internet, and J.

[28] Musicians that have collaborated with Apple to promote GarageBand include Katy Perry, John Mayer, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga.

[29][30][31][32][33] Charlotte Day Wilson,[34] Doja Cat,[35] Ellie Rowsell (of Wolf Alice),[36] Sloan Struble (of Dayglow),[37] Meghan Trainor,[38] Ethel Cain,[39] and Awkwafina[40] all began learning to produce and create music using GarageBand.

[48] Fiona Apple largely recorded her album Fetch the Bolt Cutters at home with GarageBand.