Apple talks with holdout labels on DRM-free music

Apple is in discussions with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony BMG in hopes of offering DRM-free music from the labels on the iTunes Store, according to a new report. Citing two anonymous music industry sources, CNet reports that the talks are still preliminary, and although no deals have been finalized, one source suggests at least one of the three holdouts is close to an agreement. Apple first began offering DRM-free music, dubbed “iTunes Plus,” from label EMI last May. Over the following months, EMI, along with the other three major labels, began offering their music in a DRM-free format to rival music stores, such as those run by Amazon and Wal-Mart; offering DRM-free music from all four labels would bring the iTunes Store back into parity with these other services.