Prince McLeanWhile the exact pricing for the service is unclear at this point, a source suggested to the New York paper that the ringtones may be marketed as enhanced downloads in much the same way Apple offers high-quality, unprotected music files from EMI.
Apple will also allow users to convert songs they have previously purchased through iTunes into a ringtone.
"In a new twist, iPhone users will have the ability to choose any part of the song they want as their ringtone," the Post said. "Most major ringtone offerings from Verizon, AT&T or Sprint feature pre-determined samples."
For consumers who don't want to design personalized ringtones, Apple will reportedly also sell traditional music ringtones.
Revenues from the sale of ringtones in the U.S. topped $600 million in 2006, up from $68 million in 2003, according to BMI, a collection society for songwriters and publishers. Meanwhile, worldwide sales last year are reported to have totaled $3.5 billion.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
86 Comments
Thank god! Because the lack of ringtones is what's keeping this phone down!
But what about songs not sold through the iTMS. And why does it cost any money at all to take one of your legally purchased songs and make a ringtone out of it?
And is it going to cost the same, if not more, for a ringtone then the complete version of a song?
Pay twice for my media?
They've got to be joking.
Hey has anyone noticed the ringtone in all the iPhone commercials and videos from Apple is not included on the phone? The plain old ring? No where on the phone!
I love my iPhone, but seriously, sometimes I want the ring to sound a little more professional than a happy marimba tunes when someone calls.
Where's the freaking ring Apple? No wonder you aren't appealing to the Wall Street crowd!
Pay twice for my media?
They've got to be joking.
Please read the article carefully.
Hey has anyone noticed the ringtone in all the iPhone commercials and videos from Apple is not included on the phone? The plain old ring? No where on the phone!
I love my iPhone, but seriously, sometimes I want the ring to sound a little more professional than a happy marimba tunes when someone calls.
Where's the freaking ring Apple? No wonder you aren't appealing to the Wall Street crowd!
Yea, it's annoying that this isn't included. Make a suggestion that Apple include it with the next iPhone software update. You can suggest it at http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html