Apple preparing to expand iTunes music, movies across Europe
updated 03:35 pm EDT, Wed September 28, 2011
Could signify wider Apple TV sales to match
(Updated with Swedish info) Ten more European Union countries should soon be getting access to the iTunes Music Store, according to a music industry source in touch with Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita. Only Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic are mentioned by name. Apple though is said to be essentially ready to go with the expansion; a separate source suggests an October launch, which could in theory coincide with the company's October 4th press event or follow sometime thereafter.
Accounts are meanwhile coming in of movie purchases and rentals opening up in Nordic countries, as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands. In the former category are Denmark, Finland and Norway. Finnish prices are €4 and €5 for SD and HD rentals, respectively, and around €14 for an SD purchase. Norwegian rentals are identified as costing 29 NOK for older movies, and 39 for more recent ones. Buying a movie demands 139 NOK for SD and 169 NOK for HD.
Apple has not actually made any of the new movie stores official, but searching for titles should already bring up working listings. The change has fueled speculation that the Apple TV could soon be brought to more countries, since its most critical function is now more widely accessible. Netflix and MLB content is still unavailable outside of Canada and the US, and NBA coverage is strictly US-only.
Update: Tips and checks show that Apple's movie plans also include Sweden. Films appear to cost between 79 and 139 kronor to buy, the median price being 99 Kr. Rentals may also be an option, but this has not been verified.
