Apple has reached agreements with three major record labels to let users of its new music service access their song collections from handheld devices via the Internet, as reported by Bloomberg tonight:
The new iTunes offering will let users store content on Apple’s servers and access it using the Web, rather than loading songs into a device’s memory, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been made public. The plans could be previewed as early as Apple’s developers conference, set to begin June 6, the people said.
Apple has reached licensing accords with Sony music division, EMI Group and Warner Music Group, the people said. Universal Music Group, the largest recording company, is close to a deal. The company also would need to reach agreements with music publishers, which control different rights than the labels.
Apple’s cloud music service is said to be part of a major MobileMe overhaul which said to be unveiled in WWDC this June.