Apple to Offer Unlimited Music Downloads?

Jimmy 2004 · Mar 19, 2008

According to the Financial Times, Apple is currently in discussions with music companies regarding the possibility of providing users with unlimited access to music downloads. The plan would most likely involve customers having to pay a premium for iPods/iPhones and then being able to download as much music as they want - essentially embedding the cost of music into the price of the player itself. However, the discussions are apparently stalling a bit at present as the companies negotiate over pricing. Apple is reportedly offering only $20 per device, which is much lower than companies like Nokia, which is paying almost $80 per handset for a similar plan. Another possibility is that users may pay a subscription fee each month to have unlimited downloads, with the capability of keeping 40 to 50 tracks each year even if the subscription is cancelled.

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sandyman · Mar 19, 2008

Id be very interested in this if it were to include drm free music, even for a higher price, seems a great idea!!

Ravenas · Mar 19, 2008

Apple has talked about this concept for sometime now. It could be a possibility, we'll just have to wait and see.

Either way, I think this move would bump them up to the #1 music sotre.

hacker111 · Mar 19, 2008

sounds good..better than paying $1 for one freakin song. thats why I use limewire :laugh:

bruins004 · Mar 19, 2008

Jimmy 2004 said:
Another possibility is that users may pay a subscription fee each month to have unlimited downloads, with the capability of keeping 40 to 50 tracks each year even if the subscription is cancelled.

Hmm I dont like the sound of that last part though.
It seems that you dont own all the music you download since you can only keep 40 - 50 tracks if you cancel.

Its not a bad idea, but I dont think it is going to happen.

farlex85 · Mar 19, 2008

I think this is a great step in the right direction. I hope it actually works out. The only way to limit illegal downloads is for stuff like this to be implemented. And $20 extra for an ipod that I can legally download all the music I want?! That would just solidify the ipod's absolute dominance in the portable music department. Good stuff.

PrudentPrincess · Mar 19, 2008

hacker111 said:
sounds good..better than paying $1 for one freakin song. thats why I use limewire

But thats illegal. :laugh:

quasar923 · Mar 19, 2008

PrudentPrincess said:
But thats illegal.

and gives you viruses. ares regular FTW!!!

3870x2 · Mar 20, 2008

doesnt really make much sense. They couldnt possibly make money on just $20 per device, it is quite impossible. If the music companies arent getting any money right now, they will go broke if its only $20.
and walmart does like .80 per song, as they are in the #1 spot for music sales.

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Apple to Offer Unlimited Music Downloads?

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