Music industry insiders expect that Apple wants to launch, or at least introduce, its anticipated "iCloud" music streaming service in June, though the company must also reach agreements with music publishers.
From AppleInsider:
From AppleInsider:
Music publishers own a different set of rights for which Apple must also strike a deal, according to Peter Kafka of MediaMemo. Apple is said to have started making deals with the labels first in its negotiation process, and only recently began talking with publishers.Apple expected to introduce 'iCloud' in June, if music publishers agree
How long it will take to reach an agreement with publishers remains to be seen. But Apple's launch of 90 second song previews in iTunes was reportedly held up for months last year because of negotiations with publishers.