Apple to launch ringtone service for iPhone users

The New York Post is reporting that Apple’s September 5th dog and pony show is set to usher in the age of iTunes as ringtone-management software for iPhone. Apple will offers high-quality, unprotected music files from EMI and also allow users to convert songs they have previously purchased through iTunes into a ringtone.

“In a new twist, iPhone users will have the ability to choose any part of the song they want as their ringtone,” the Post said. “Most major ringtone offerings from Verizon, AT&T or Sprint feature pre-determined samples.”

For consumers who don’t want to design personalized ringtones, Apple will reportedly also sell traditional music ringtones.

Revenues from the sale of ringtones in the U.S. topped $600 million in 2006, up from $68 million in 2003, according to BMI, a collection society for songwriters and publishers. Meanwhile, worldwide sales last year are reported to have totaled $3.5 billion.

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