Apple angling for more ringtones
May 19th 2008
Whether you want to roll your own in GarageBand or pay Apple's two times 99ยข fee for an iTunes track, the iPhone has offered limited ways of getting tunes for use a ringtones.
New York Times reports that Apple's angling to improve the selection of tracks available via iTunes and, thereupon, has been talking with the labels.
The negotiations are very active right now and a final deal has not been set, said the executives, who requested anonymity so as not to disrupt the ongoing talks.
"They want a big launch in June," said one label executive familiar with the discussions.
Ringtones are perhaps the most-profitable segment of the music biz right now and a sought-after vanity item for users.
The question, of course, is what if anything Apple will give up in order to get more commercial ringtones on the iPhone. The company recently relented on variable pricing for video in order to get HBO.
Closer relations between Apple and music likely will mean higher prices for us... Will Steve hold the line?
What's your take?
