You’ve probably heard about Steve Jobs’ open letter addressing DRM. In it he says that the only reason there is DRM on iTunes Music Store music is to appease the Big Four, and if they didn’t demand DRM, Apple would not use it.
The primary criticism so far has been that Apple is shifting the blame; they could have chosen to not participate in such a system in the first place (i.e., never create the iTunes Music Store). I can see the point here, but I think overall, this is a pretty bold move for Apple to make, and I don’t yet see it as a stunt. It’s Apple taking a genuine stance on what is best for their customers and industry.
But here’s what I’m wondering: what about the independent, non Big Four labels that are on the ITMS? Are they demanding DRM as well? Why not ship those songs without it?
Don’t get me wrong, there might be a very good and simple answer for this. For example, maybe the contract with the Big Four demands that all media in the store have DRM.
Does anyone know?
