Analyst: iTunes to offer wireless downloads ‘within the year’

Pike & Fischer senior analyst Tim Deal is lead author on a new report that claims Apple will be forced to offer iTunes downloads in an over-the-air capacity, within the next year. The report argues that the step will be necessary for the iPhone to remain competitive as consumers “increasingly demand the ability to download music and video over the air.” “Consumer expectations will advance to the point where they will eschew reliance on a PC and cable to get content onto their iPhones and other portable devices,” says Deal. “Apple will therefore be forced to offer over-the-air downloads to remain competitive.” AT&T currently offers a music download service over its wireless network, but the service is currently not available on the iPhone.