MPEG-4 Ringtone (.m4r)
The M4R file extension stands for MPEG-4 Ringtone and is primarily used for creating custom ringtones for Apple devices, particularly iPhones. This format, a variant of the standard MPEG-4 Audio (M4A), emerged alongside the introduction of the iPhone in 2007. M4R files utilize Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) for compression, ensuring high-quality sound in a compact file size. Their use is strictly tied to Apple's ecosystem, allowing users to personalize their device's ringtones through the iTunes platform. M4R's history is closely linked to the evolution of mobile technology and the personalization trend in smartphone usage.