Prevent iTunes from opening when connecting bluetooth headset

Solution 1:

Extending Steve's answer, plus some tips from this apple discussion, here's what I did that finally solved this.

1. Create a "Do Nothing App": open Automator, create an empty application, and save it as DoNothingApp.app

2. Rename iTunes (manually in the Applications directory, or using this terminal command):

   sudo mv /Applications/iTunes.app /Applications/iTunesBACK.app
   

3. Make a copy of DoNothingApp.app as iTunes.app (manually, or using this terminal command):

   sudo cp -R /Applications/DoNothingApp.app /Applications/iTunes.app
   

That's it. Of course, the real iTunes is now called iTunesBACK.

Solution 2:

I've got this figured out.

On OSX, the "RCD" (remote control daemon) is responsible for the naughtiness. It has hard-coded list of actions to do when it detects certain "events" - one of them being connecting to a bluetooth headset.

To disable this behaviour (minimal loss of functionality, possibly your apple remote won't work), use the following two commands:

launchctl stop com.apple.rcd 
launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.rcd.plist

This should stop rcd from being launched by OSX. No rcd - no auto-magic multimedia. Your volume keys should continue working, but things like play key (or bluetooth) auto-starting iTunes should stop. With -w option the change should be persistent.

PS: The following is the nuclear option. In Terminal, enter:

sudo chmod 000 /System/Library/CoreServices/rcd.app/Contents/MacOS/rcd
sudo pkill -9 rcd

To stop rcd from even being started by any app. To restore your rcd, use:

sudo chmod 755 /System/Library/CoreServices/rcd.app/Contents/MacOS/rcd
launchctl start com.apple.rcd

Solution 3:

I'm on Catalina and it is now 2019. I was having Apple Music open every time I connected my bluetooth earbuds (Echo Buds). Since I never use Apple Music this worked for me:

• In Apple Music go to "Preferences..." and "Restrictions"
• Click all the checkboxes under "Disable" including one for "Apple Music"
• Click the lock to prevent further changes
• Click "OK"

As far as I know, this will prevent you from using Apple Music completely, which may not be an acceptable solution for everyone.

Solution 4:

Solution explained by imp68 worked for me

Short version:

• Remove iTunesHelper from your user's Login items

Step by step version:

• Open "System Preferences"
• Click "Users & Groups"
• Select your user
• Click "Login Items" in right panel
• Remove iTunesHelper
• Log off and back in (MUST DO)

and voilà !