Apple, EMI announcement

Apple is expected to make a joint announcement with music label EMI on Monday. Several reports indicate EMI CEO Eric Nicoli will hold an event tomorrow in the U.K. with special guest Apple CEO Steve Jobs, according to an invitation sent to press on Sunday. According to Macworld UK, the invitation reads "Please join EMI Group CEO Eric Nicoli at EMI’s headquarters on Monday 2 April at 1pm London/8am New York time to hear about an exciting new digital offering, with special guest, Apple CEO Steve Jobs." The event also includes a special live performance by an unannounced artist, according to the invitation. The report also says that an audio webcast of the press conference will be made available at the EMI Group's website.

While Macworld UK sources suggest that the event may not be related to the Beatles--who reached an agreement with Apple over the 'Apple' trademark earlier this year--the BBC discusses the surrounding speculation.

Earlier this month, EMI denied claims that The Beatles' music would be online early via British online music store Wippit. In February, Apple said that it would release the band's music in a non-exclusive form, but opted out of naming any particular stores at the time. Apple, Inc.'s iTunes is heavily favored as one of the first after the end of its longstanding feud with the music label.

by MacNN Staff