iTunes Downloads Pass 300 Million Mark

2005-03-05 - Cupertino, CA, USA: Apple(R) has announced that music fans have purchased and downloaded more than 300 million songs from the iTunes(R) Music Store. The achievement of this landmark gives a clear indication that downloading of individual music tracks is quickly replacing the concept of buying a fixed album of songs from a particular artist. It is a strong example of the growth of personalization, where consumers pick an choose what they want, rather than having to buy a product 'as is'.

Additionally, the benefit single "Across the Universe," available exclusively on the iTunes Music Store, debuted as number 22 on the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart making it the most successful exclusive digital track ever in its first week of release.

"We're honored to offer "Across the Universe" exclusively on the iTunes Music Store with all proceeds going to tsunami survivors and their families," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Applications.

There are Over 1 Million Songs to Preview, Buy and Download at iTunes. It continues to add music in all categories, including this week's addition of classic live recordings from the Grateful Dead -- the two-track "Dick's Picks" series and the multi-track "Vault" series -- and an exclusive version of Jack Johnson's new album "In Between Dreams" which includes a digital booklet.

With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod(R) and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac(R) and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music online. The iTunes Music Store features more than one million songs from the major music companies and 600 independent record labels, over 9,000 audiobooks, gift certificates and exclusive music not found anywhere else online.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. In recent years, Apple has spearheaded the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.