Apple forced to drop UK iTunes prices

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The UK’s greatest music export

Facing a lawsuit, Apple said today it will lower prices of UK iTunes downloads, bringing them in line with prices found on the Continent. The European Commission, the European Union’s executive branch, had been investigating whether or not Apple’s policy of charging the equivalent of €1.05 per song in the UK versus only €0.99 in the eurozone countries was against EU business policy. Rather than risk fines or being held up in European courts, Apple decided to lower the price.

Apple partially blamed the record labels for the higher UK prices, saying UK licensing is more expensive in Britain than it is mainland Europe. Some analysts also point to increased music competition from companies like Nokia, whose own music download service will begin later this year. Either way, Britons can expect to see the lower prices within the next six months.

Apple to cut UK prices for iTunes [Financial Times]