Will Apple open an iTunes buffet?
Apple is reportedly negotiating with its recording label partners to offer iPod and iPhone users an all-you-can-listen plan for the life of the device.
According to a report in the Financial Times Wednesday, 19 March, Apple would provide customers who pay a premium of up to US$100 over the retail price of an iPhone and iPod with unlimited free downloading privileges from the iTunes Store music catalog.
Apple, however, has not confirmed the report.
"We have no comment," Tom Neumayr, a spokesperson for Apple, told MacNewsWorld.
Not the First
As described in the Times report, the plan is similar to Nokia's "Comes With Music" program that the mobile handset maker unveiled with partner Universal Music last December. The offering would enable consumers who purchase a Nokia device with one year of unlimited access to millions of tracks available via Nokia's music service.
At the end of the one-year period, users are able to retain their downloaded songs without fearing that their music will no longer play once the subscription ends.
While the program launched in partnership with Universal Music, Nokia said it is in negotiations with other remaining major international labels to include their catalogs in the offering as well.
