EMI Deal Signals Pending Cloud Music Launch

Last evening, CNET reported Apple has completed an important step in the licensing process of its rumored cloud music service, by inking a deal with industry giant EMI. Joining last month’s Warner Music Group deal, the agreement with EMI indicates the launch of Apple’s highly anticipated music service may be drawing near. The multiple music industry sources who confirmed yesterday’s pact also suggested Apple is close to completing deals with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment—the two remaining members of the “big four.”

Although the details surrounding Apple’s supposed cloud platform remain purely speculative, if the company were to launch such a service, the licensing deals in place—and in progress—would undoubtably afford it greater benefits than competing Amazon and Google services. Both of the aforementioned companies launched respective cloud based services earlier in the year without record label consent or agreement. Though Apple will not be the first to launch—it seldom is—by taking the time to get the details right, its offering will likely surpass the competition in terms of features and content upon release.