Apple expected to drop iTunes DRM

Apple is expected to announce details of a deal it has cut with record labels to offer songs free of copy protection through the iTunes store.

The announcement of tracks free of DRM (digital rights management) protection, which restricts copying and playing songs, could come at the annual Macworld conference in California which began on 5 January.

Apple has reportedly been in negotiations with the major record labels to offer DRM-free music as well agreeing to be more flexible on pricing.

The company could introduce three song price categories: older songs from back catalogues, midline songs (contemporary songs that aren't big hits), and current hits.

Although iTunes currently offers DRM-free music from EMI, the label only accounts for a fraction of its sales.

The new deal will expand iTunes' DRM-free library to include songs from the three other major labels: Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner Music.

iTunes customers have long been calling for Apple to drop restrictions on the songs it sells through iTunes, especially in light of Amazon's entry to the UK market late last year.

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