Apple may expand mobile music offerings with new iPhone

A New York Times article suggests that Apple may try to expand its mobile music offerings, and its relationships with music labels, as it rolls out the next generation iPhone, expected to have 3G.

Currently, iPhone users can purchase tracks from iTunes while using the Internet via Wi-Fi, but can't do the same over the cellular network. A 3G network, with a much faster connection speed, could allow that function.

Apple may also be looking towards expanding its ringtone and ringback tones (cringe).

Though Apple has a very dominant position in online digital music, it may still face problems with various record labels, who believe that they can command a higher wholesale price for tracks sold over 3G.

Also under discussion (though the concept has been rumbling on for over a year) is that of offering a monthly subscription service, whereby music tracks are not owned but can be listened to for as long as the contract is in place. This would likely require a significant reworking of iTunes, as it's hard to see Apple investing in any system that takes music away from their tried and tested software.

Ultimately, it could all come down to money. Apple wants to drive a hard bargain when it comes to the price it pays for music from the record labels. Whether they'll agree to that is another matter.

(Via NY Times)

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