Convert M4V to MP4
M4V is Apple's version of MP4 - same file format, slightly different branding. Wave rewrites the container header so non-Apple players stop being confused, without touching the video or audio streams.
What actually changes
M4V is genuinely just MP4 with a different file-type box. Apple used the extension for iTunes video downloads, iOS device recordings, and some purchased content (which additionally carried FairPlay DRM). For non-DRM M4V files, the conversion is a trivial container header rewrite - every byte of video and audio survives untouched.
FairPlay-protected M4V (iTunes purchases from before 2009 for TV shows, or older iTunes rentals) cannot be decrypted outside Apple's ecosystem. Wave detects protected files during inspect and stops with a specific error message.
Three steps.
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Step 1
Drop the M4V onto the card.
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Step 2
Wave shows Fast copy - one of the fastest conversions in the tool.
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Step 3
Convert and save the MP4.
Answers, specifically.
Is M4V really different from MP4?
Structurally, no. Apple gave it a different extension so their apps could distinguish iTunes-associated files. Under the hood the container is MP4.
Why won't my Android device play M4V?
Some Android video players match on extension rather than content-type and reject anything that isn't .mp4. Renaming works most of the time, but a proper container rewrite (what Wave does) is more reliable.
What about iTunes-purchased shows?
Those carry FairPlay DRM. Wave can't decrypt them and won't try - no browser-side tool can. You'd need to re-download in an unprotected format.
Will my chapter markers carry over?
Yes. Chapter atoms are part of the MP4 container spec and copy through unchanged.
Does converting break subtitles?
Embedded MP4 subtitle tracks copy through. External .srt files aren't muxed by the current build.