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Apple Inc. denies Beatle downloads

Computer giant Apple Inc. has recently dismissed claims that the largely sought-after Beatles catalogue will soon be available through the company’s iTunes Music Store, calling the rumors “unsubstantiated speculation.”

Meanwhile, reports from sources close to Sir Paul McCartney claim that the Beatles have confirmed the rumors, but there was no comment from the Beatles’ parent company Apple Corps, or record label EMI.

Efforts to catalogue the Beatles’ discography on iTunes had long been delayed by trademark disputes between Apple Inc. and Apple Corps., which ended in February of 2007.

Furthermore, comments from both McCartney and George Harrison’s widow, Olivia, suggest that an early 2008 release of the Beatles’ catalogue has been expected. In reference to the online arrival of arguably the most influential band of all time, McCartney told Billboard Magazine in November of 2007 that the deal was “virtually settled” and that he was “pretty sure it’ll be happening next year, 2008.”