iTunes adopts variable pricing, DRM-free majors
updated 01:55 pm EST, Tue January 6, 2009
iTunes at MW09
In concluding its Macworld 2009 keynote, Apple has confirmed a switch to a variable pricing model for iTunes music, where previously the company charged a flat 99 cents per track. Beginning in April the company will offer three tiers of pricing: 69 cents, 99 cents and finally $1.29, with a greater proportion of tracks falling under the bottom tier than the top; all tracks aged less than six years should remain at 99 cents. The scheme is said to be attributable to flexibility demands from record companies.
It has likewise resulted in a substantial expansion of iTunes Plus, which as of today is offering over 8 million songs DRM-free, through the addition of tracks from all major labels including Universal and Sony BMG. The song count should expand to 10 million by the end of the first quarter of 2009.
Apple finally notes that the iPhone's Wi-Fi Music Store is now simply named the iTunes Music Store, as it supports downloading over both Wi-Fi and cellular connections. Content and pricing should remain identical to the desktop store.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Hrm
Mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, we got em DRM-free and at a higher bitrate, which is very good.
I personally am perfectly fine with idiot Top 40 fans having to pay more while I (who buys mostly older music) pays less, but I doubt that's how it's always going to play out. As long as "indie" and "obscure" artists remain cheap, I can live with this.