Reports: Apple Cutting Prices, Expanding Selection For DRM-Free iTunes

Apple plans to offer a greater selection of tracks in DRM-free format in the iTunes store, and drop the price to $0.99, in the face of competitive pressure from Amazon.com, according to reports.

Apple plans to expand the DRM-free service -- called iTunes Plus -- to some indie music labels starting Wednesday, according to Ars Technica.. Until now, the service only included tracks from EMI. Other large labels are still resisting.

The price drop brings non-DRMed music in alignment with the pricing of DRMed music. Now, non-DRM music is priced at $1.29.

Amazon sells individual tracks at $0.89-$0.99 each at its MP3 store, without DRM.

Some tunes were available Monday for $0.99, from Flight of the Conchords and The Perishers, according to MacDailyNews..

Apple's action is a small step in the ongoing trend of media companies' rejecting DRM snake oil. In August, Universal said it will offer DRM-free music.. And Yahoo said it will not continue to support DRM.