Apple iTunes streaming and iTunes cloud services set to cost, says industry analyst

Apple’s much rumoured cloud-based iTunes update won’t come without a cost. That’s the word from a music industry analyst, who claims that however Apple chooses to implement the service, there’s likely to be a cost that’ll feed back to the user.

Speaking to CNET, the source claimed that the online addition to iTunes will involve the major music record labels, which almost guarantees a cost somewhere along the line. Although nothing’s been officially announced, iTunes’ cloud offering is likely to be built around one of two types of service.

The first is the ‘digital locker’ model, as is currently being used by the recently-launched Amazon Cloud Drive. What this entails is a limited amount of free online storage (for music), which users can upgrade and expand at cost.

The second is akin to Spotify’s music streaming, where Apple would allow paying iTunes subscribers to stream any of the store’s library on an all-you-can-eat basis.

It’s unknown in either case exactly what Apple will go for and exactly how much it will cost you as the user, but we’d be surprised if it wasn’t a wholly polished service, either way; Apple likes to charge a premium for premium products.

Will you sign up to an iTunes Spotify rival? Let us know on the Gadget Helpline Twitter feed.