Apple has launched its iTunes music store in Mexico, following several months of intensive negotiations with labels – particularly the four majors. The store has gone live with a catalogue of several million tracks, but only one price: 12 pesos per song (around $0.91). Albums cost 120 pesos ($9).However, Apple will eventually switch to variable pricing, introducing a lower tier for back catalogue items. All music is available as iTunes Plus files: Apple’s DRM-free 256kbps AAC format. Music Ally understands that the store is being managed and programmed from Apple’s Cupertino HQ in California by the same team that handles iTunes Latino.Apple’s launch follows the debut of Nokia’s Comes With Music in April this year. However, Mexico isn’t the easiest of markets for digital music distribution. Low penetration of broadband internet and credit cards have stymied previous digital stores to launch there, plus there is rampant online piracy.To combat the credit card issue, Apple is selling iTunes gift cards in denominations of 200, 300 and 600 pesos ($14, $22 and $45), which can be bought at retailers including Mixup, Office Depot and Sanborns. And the next country in the iTunes global rollout? Without a doubt, Brazil.
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