Record label EMI has apparently just struck a deal for Apple’s rumored cloud-based music storage service, and Sony Music Group and Universal Music Group are said to be close to signing deals, too, according to CNET. Apple is expected to launch its online music storage and streaming service once it has all of the major labels lined up.
EMI on board for Apple’s cloud music deal
Word that Apple had been signing licensing deals with the record labels surfaced in March with a report that Warner Music had already come on board. A report in April claimed EMI had signed a deal, too, although today’s news seems to contradict that news.
Apple’s online music service is expected to include cloud-based music storage and streaming playback support, support for downloading music to multiple devices, and higher audio quality support compared to competing online music storage services.
Apple’s efforts to get the blessing of the major labels before launching its music locker service has left the Mac, iPhone and iPad maker behind Amazon and Google. Both companies have already launched their own online music storage products, but without record label deals, and with limited support for Apple’s devices.
The missing deals with Amazon and Google has record label executives hot under the collar, and even had one insider saying “People are pissed.” Since Apple is expected to charge for its online music locker service, the deals it has with record labels presumably means they get a cut of the revenue — something they aren’t getting from Amazon and Google.
Apple is generally expected to make an announcement about the music locker service during its annual World Wide Developer Conference in June.
So far, Apple hasn’t offered any comments on the music locker service, or the rumors of record label deals.