Apple Reportedly Slashing DRM-Free Track Pricing to 99 Cents

It's been only a month since Amazon launched the shot heard round the world, offering DRM-free MP3s for 89 to 99 cents a pop. Compared to Apple's $1.29 for the same tracks, the decision on where to buy your music was a no-brainer.

Well, Apple must be feeling the heat. According to Ars Technica, the company is set to lop 30 cents off the price of its unprotected tracks, possibly as early as tomorrow, in order to compete. The rumored news also has more so-called "iTunes Plus" tracks (those without DRM) being launched, but no mention of Universal joining the club. Universal, to date, is only selling its DRM-free songs via Amazon, and Universal tracks on iTunes are still locked.

Strangely, the story says that Apple is planning to keep DRM tracks at 99 cents as well, though it's unclear whether Apple will continue to sell DRM versions of the exact same songs that it now sells in non-DRM form, or if those will be discontinued. As well, I expect there will be no change in Apple's policy of embedding personal information in tracks you purchase; I'll still be shopping at Amazon, which doesn't embed your name in the song, even if  and when this price cut does go through.

As expected, catty commenters are already asking Apple where their refunds are. The last time Apple made a big price cut, well, you know what happened... 

UPDATE: Yep, they did it. 

LINK: iTunes Plus DRM-free track expanding, dropping to 99 cents