As expected, Apple has launched a version of its iTunes Music Store for citizens of Australia. Music is priced at AU$1.69 per song, while music videos are priced at AU$3.39. As with all non-US iTunes Music Stores, there are no TV shows available for purchase.
The Australian store can currently be accessed through the drop-down country selection menu at the bottom of the iTunes Music Store.
The long-awaited Australian store was expected to debut in late April/early May alongside four new European stores, but was apparently delayed due to contract negotiations with record labels. In addition to Australian flag image icons showing up on Apple’s servers, actor/musician Russell Crowe told listeners of a radio station in the country that the store would open on April 28th of this year.
Update: According to Apple’s official press release, the Australian store will offer “most albums at $16.99 including GST,” with a total library of over one million songs and 1,000 music videos. Apple has secured exclusive tracks from artists Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Paul Mac, Evermore, Gyroscope and The Dissociatives, with additional content from well-known Australian artists.
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