Apple to Offer Unlimited Music Plan?

[MacRumors]

Financial Times reports that Apple is currently in discussions with music companies to allow customers to have unlimited access to the entire iTunes music library in exchange for paying a premium for its iPod and iPhone devices. (presumably for the lifetime of the device)

The plan sounds similar to Universal's Total Music plan in which the cost of music is embedded into the music player itself. Based on the wording of this article, it seems Apple's version of the plan adds the cost on top of the iPod or iPhone.

The negotiations are currently being held up due to disagreements in pricing. Apple is reportedly only offering $20 per device, while Nokia is playing almost $80/handset for a similar plan. Other possibilities appear to include a subscription based service for iPhone users ($7-8/month, for example) with the capability to keep up to 40-50 tracks/year even after the subscription lapses.

Historically, the Financial Times has been a reliable source of information with early details of Apple's plans to introduce iTunes Movie rentals well ahead of its release,

Article Link

[gusapple]

Huh, sounds kinda interesting. Hope that it will work out!

[EricNau]

In other words, a unlimited subscription based music service for a one time fee?

I don't see that working out.

[ebel3003]

Originally Posted by EricNau

In other words, a unlimited subscription based music service for a one time fee?

I don't see that working out.

I think access to the entire iTunes Store library of music is in exchange for the premium that Apple charges on the iPod and iPhone devices. Not a subscription based plan.

I for one welcome this idea.

[Koodauw]

I love the option to be able to keep some of the music after the subscription ends. Count me in for this!

[iPoodOverZune]

well. that should shut up some who always keep asking for music rentals -all you can eat plans - as well.
would blanket cover the whole consumer base, perhaps.

[Ryox]

I don't see this working out sounds interesting.

[gonyr]

When would it be considered too soon to get in line to purchase a new ipod with the unlimited music plan? Tonight? This weekend?

[mr.stinki]

I really don't get this?

If I'm reading right, you pay a monthly/yearly/onetime fee, and you have unlimited music downloads?

Can someone explain, Please?

[SirOmega]

I really only see this working as a subscription - a normal subscription $9.99/mo for all the songs you can fill your iPod with.

The hardest part would be splitting the revenue with the labels - you'd have to apportion the $10/mo based on what exactly?

[ebel3003]

Originally Posted by mr.stinki

I really don't get this?

If I'm reading right, you pay a monthly/yearly/onetime fee, and you have unlimited music downloads?

Can someone explain, Please?

When you purchase an iPod, you are paying a premium to Apple. From the article, I believe that the idea is when you buy an iPod, you have access to the entire iTunes Store library.

[cthomet]

how would they keep you from just keeping the music downloaded during the subscription time or whatever?

[rosalindavenue]

I have to think that the labels will put the kibosh on this; they seem to be doing everything they can to slow Apple's lead as a music & video retailer, aside from jerking all content from them completely.

[DTphonehome]

Whaaaaat? Oh please, who wouldn't pay an extra $20 to have unlimited music that they get to keep? No way, no how. The record companies would NEVER agree to that.

[mr.stinki]

But wouldn't apple loose money? How are they going to get money from iTunes?

Sorry for being kinda noob-ish =D

[aswitcher]

I think Apple are working on the theory its tied to the device...so its not on your Mac as such, and its gone when the device is superseded...

[Zwhaler]

I can't really see a one time fee happening, unless it is upwards of 1000$ dollars. Maybe a subscription but I think that Apple should stick with song by song pay, it has worked flawlessly for all these years.

[christopher3071]

As a consumer I would definitely be willing to pay more for a device if I knew I was getting unlimited access to the worlds largest (in terms of individual songs for sale, correct me if I'm wrong) music seller. I would even be willing to pay $9.99/month for this. And the ability to keep the songs would be a nice plus.. Maybe they will settle on terms and this could happen by June?! I love experimenting and listening to new groups which is why I use pandora.com but I'd love to take some songs I find from Pandora and take them on the road with me. How cool would it be to be using your iPhone at wifi hotspot and just think, man this calls for a song, and just download it right there on the spot without paying and having the entire high quality song pumping into your ears within seconds, this sounds like a great idea that I'd be willing to pay a premium for. Music = Life (For this computer geek anyway)

[twoodcc]

i don't know about this. i mean, it could be good i guess, but i don't think i want to take part in it.

[christopher3071]

Originally Posted by aswitcher

I think Apple are working on the theory its tied to the device...so its not on your Mac as such, and its gone when the device is superseded...

This would make more sense for the record labels. Otherwise no one would keep paying and they'd just keep downloading more songs. But what's to stop customers from using the songs on iTunes after the iPod breaks or is lost.. Perhaps its an iPhone/iPod touch only kinda deal?

[mikeinternet]

does unlimited access mean unlimited downloads or unlimited streaming?

[Frisco]

Great idea! Will be a huge hit!

[DTphonehome]

Presumably the lifetime iTunes would be tied to the lifetime of the iPod. The most similar thing I can think of like this would be when Sirius offered lifetime on their radios for about $500. Now, if Sirius offered it for $500, for streaming satellite service, how could Apple POSSIBLY offer unlimited downloads that you can pick and choose, for the life of your iPod, for a measly 20 bucks. Come on, I'm not buying it. I mean, I would it if were for sale, but you know what I mean

[MattInOz]

The second option sounds like it could be a winner.
I like the idea of paying a monthly fee to be able to hunt and test new music but as you go you build up credits to pick track that are then yours.
Sounds like a prefect gift for a young relative starting to become interested in music.

Still it does it is a subscription model that just like CD encourage the production of a whole lot of filler. Where the current iTunes model encourages every track to be worthy.

Hey why don't bands do a real subscription system, you pay us a fixed fee each week/month/year we deliver a new track each week/month could be live, studio demo, b-side, rarity, even a good interview anything they feel like.

[EricNau]

Originally Posted by mikeinternet

does unlimited access mean unlimited downloads or unlimited streaming?

Streaming. ...Access is really an inaccurate term in my opinion; we already have access to the iTunes Store, we just don't get to hear or download the songs for free.