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Apple is said to have agreed a deal with three major record labels that will see its iTunes music store offer more music free of copyright protection.

At present iTunes only offers DRM-free music by artists signed to EMI, as well as a handful of independent record labels.

However, sources close to negotiations have said that Apple has finally signed an agreement with the three remaining major labels – Sony BMG, Warner Music and Universal.

Apple is one of the few remaining companies which doesn't offer an extensive range of DRM-free music.

Music that is free of copyright protection can be played on a wide range of MP3 devices, including the iPod.

Technology website Cnet claims the deal could be announced along with a three-tier pricing structure for downloads at the Macworld conference in San Francisco later.

The new pricing proposal breaks songs down into 'old', 'new' and 'hit' categories.

Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, Phil Shiller, is widely expected to unveil a number of new initiatives during his Macworld keynote speech today (January 6th).