The Beatles come to iTunes

The absence of the world's biggest band's from the digital market has come to an end. Apple has announced today that it has officially gained the licensing for The Beatles' music, meaning the richest back catalogue in music history has officially come to iTunes.

A deal has been reached between the two Apple companies - the computer company and The Beatles' own label - band members and EMI, who distribute The Beatles' music. Since iTunes' launch in 2003, up until now The Beatles have continued to be the biggest act not on sale on the online store, due in part to a stand-off between the two Apple companies with the Beatles' label complaining about trademark infringements.

The frosty relationship has now thawed out with the announcement by Apple today. Yesterday Apple posted a teaser on their website, stating 'Tomorrow is Just Another Day (perhaps a reference to Paul McCartney's 'Another Day'). The page also included four clocks, showing the scheduled time in four countries. At 1500 GMT today, Apple replaced the teaser with a large picture of the Fab Four with the simple phrase 'The Beatles. Now on iTunes.'

Now all thirteen of The Beatles' remastered studio albums, as well as the Past Masters and 'Red' and 'Blue' compilation discs, will be available for the first time digitally, with single albums priced at €12.99 and double albums at €19.99. Individual songs will be priced at €1.29 each; if your intention is to go all out, the complete Beatles box set is available for €149.

'It has been a long and winding road to get here,' said Apple CEO Steve Jobs, a well-known Beatles fanatic. 'Thanks to the Beatles and EMI, we are now realising a dream we’ve had since we launched iTunes ten years ago.'