An iTunes subscription model? Yes please!

Published on 19^th March 2008 in Software, Tech, tagged iTunes, music.

Ars Technica reports rumours of an iTunes subscription model:

A report by the Financial Times (registration required) cites unnamed executives who say that Apple is in talks with record labels to offer access to the entire iTunes music library for a lump sum price. The fee would be added as a premium option on an iPod or iPhone, or it could come as a monthly charge. It would allow downloading of any song at any time so long as the purchaser still owns the device, and the songs would be yours to keep.

…

Since the average iPod owner buys about 20 tracks from the iTunes, Apple wants to make the premium about $20, arguing that it should cover the average consumer’s downloads. Then the owner can make unlimited music downloads from the iTunes Store for the life of the device. Once downloaded, the tracks are yours to keep, even if you get rid of the original iPod or iPhone.

I use iTunes intermittently, but if a subscription model was on offer that allowed you to keep the music instead of just renting it, then this would be an unbelievably good deal. Even if it was about $100, you’d still get your money’s worth from about six or seven albums. Maybe they’re banking on people not taking full advantage of it, but I know that I’d be on there all day filling up an external drive with new music!