What happens when two Apples get together? Yesterday (no pun intended) we reported that Apple was going to make a major announcement regarding iTunes. Today, the Cupertino based firm announced that it has come to an agreement with EMI to carry the musical library of the Beatles. This gives iOS users a chance to load any of the band's 13 remastered studio albums using iTunes LP's, along with other compiled albums like the two-volume Past Masters, and the so-called Red and Blue albums (Beatles 1962-1966, and Beatles 1967-1970 respectively).
Fans can buy individual songs ($1.99) or albums ($12.99 for a single LP, $19.99 for a double album like "The Beatles"). A complete box set is offered for $149 and includes a free video of the Beatles first U.S. concert held in Washington D.C. in February 1964 (playing on a stage in the middle of a circular arena, watch as Ringo turns his drum kit around to face a different part of the audience).
The two surviving members of the band commented while the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison also were quoted. Sir Paul McCartney said, "We’re really excited to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes. It’s fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around.". The eldest member of the group, Ringo Starr wrote, "I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes. At last, if you want it—you can get it now—The Beatles from Liverpool to now! Peace and Love, Ringo." Olivia Harrison said briefly, "The Beatles on iTunes—Bravo!", while Yoko Ono Lennon made reference to here husband when she said, "In the joyful spirit of Give Peace A Chance, I think it is so appropriate that we are doing this on John’s 70th birthday year."
It is known that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is a big fan of Beatle music. "We love the Beatles and are honored and thrilled to welcome them to iTunes," said Jobs. "It has been a long and winding road to get here. Thanks to the Beatles and EMI, we are now realizing a dream we’ve had since we launched iTunes ten years ago."
The Beatles can offer Apple a big surge in revenue. Despite the age of the music, the songs of the band are timeless and have spanned a number of generations. With their youngest fans now conditioned to use their Apple iPhone or Apple iPod to listen to music, we would expect the cash register at Apple to be ringing constantly as the tunes-some as old as 48 years-get downloaded on today's high-tech music players.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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