HamroPokhara.com :: An Eye to Pokhara

A music streaming service is set to launch an iPhone application that could dent the dominance of Apple's own iTunes device.

Apple has already approved music apps from Lastfm and Pandora

Apple has refused to deny speculation that it will approve Spotify's app, and declined to comment when contacted by Sky News Online.

However, a spokesman for Spotify - which allows users to stream rather than buy music - said he "absolutely expects" to get the go-ahead.

Spotify is a successful software download with two million users in the UK alone.

It can be used for free in return for advert breaks.

If Apple does allow their app on to the iPhone, it could hit the popularity of Apple's own music service iTunes, which lets users buy mp3 downloads.

This has led to speculation that Apple would refuse to authorise it.

A first-look at the app

Spotify's communications manager Jim Butcher laid down the gauntlet by insisting their service broke no rules - and therefore would have to be given the green-light.

"We have a great relationship with Apple, think the iPhone is awesome and absolutely expect them to approve our app in the next few weeks," he told Sky News Online.

"We've spent significant time and resources to ensure we've stuck to Apple's developer guidelines point by point," he added.

It will be free for its premium web subscribers, who pay £9.99 a month to listen to music without any adverts.

A key feature of the app is the ability to play tracks when the user is offline, for example on the London Underground.

Apple have already agreed to iPhone music applications from Lastfm, Deezer and Pandora, but none have the potential momentum of Spotify.

Ernest Doku, from mobile phone comparison site Omio, said it could be a significant move.

"The problem Spotify has faced so far is how to turn free users into premium subscribers.

"By providing music on the go, this would finally give Spotify subscribers an incentive to splash out for the service," he said.

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