Apple allegedly is working on a new plan to bring customers closer to digital music and the iTunes Store by discussing with major music companies the possibility of offering unlimited music service in return for paying a premium for the iPod and iPhone music devices. There are several press reports that claim ongoing discussion about a large upfront payment when buying iPods and iPhones in exchange for unlimited music through iTunes, or some way of preloading the devices with a significant amount of tracks.

However, the exact conditions differ by the reporting news source. For example, Financial Times claims that a special premium price is being considered which will give afterwards unrestricted access to some or all of iTunes' collection. Other sources tell SJ Mercury News that there will be in fact some kind of preloading deal, which means that users will get a serious number of tracks on the device when they buy it, which can be played for a limited period of time until a subscription is required.

Apple and the record labels are tight lipped and they won't comment on the rumors. Apparently, Apple has found that people are drawn by this type of offers and would be willing to pay a $100 premium for a device if that includes unlimited access to music.

The problem which allegedly came up in the discussions is the money Apple is willing to pay record companies. As usual, the company wants to pay intriguingly little of its profits. According to The Financial Times, Apple is ready to offer four times less than Nokia per device: just $20 yearly compared to Nokia’s $80. Nokia has an unlimited subscription download service called "Comes With Music." EMI is preparing to become the second major label to provide music to Nokia's service, Ars Technica reports.