Apple has bagged its fourth major label for its iCloud cloud service, according to CNET. Its report claims UMG has signed on the dotted line, joining WMG, Sony and EMI, and also that ‘some’ of the large music publishers are also on board – the New York Times names these as Universal Music Publishing and Sony/ATV. CNET’s sources go on to claim that labels will get 58% of iCloud revenues, with publishers taking 12% and Apple 30%. More details: those sources suggest that initially, iCloud will only store music purchased from iTunes, although in the future it may expand to include songs from outside sources. Yet another report, in the Los Angeles Times, claims that iCloud will be free for an initial period for iTunes customers, but will ultimately cost around $25 a year – with advertising also contributing to revenues. The LAT report disagrees with CNET on the payouts though, claiming labels will get 70%, publishers 12% and Apple 18%. What about independent labels? Billboard suggests they’re being offered a 53% revenue share, but are pushing back for more. If indie deals aren’t concluded, we’ll expect a Merlin statement shortly after Apple’s keynote speech on Monday.
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