After first offering DRM-free tracks from EMI in May of this year, Apple is expanding iTunes Plus to include several independent music labels. The expansion is scheduled to begin on October 17 and signifies an encouraging progression for the digital music industry.
In addition to more DRM-free music, Apple will also lower the price of iTunes Plus tracks from $1.29 to $0.99 (this includes the recently released George Harrisonsolo catalog). Remaining DRM'd selections will continue to be priced at $0.99.
Apple's decision to provide more DRM-free offerings could be a result of EMI's report of improved sales on iTunes Plus items. A more likely impetus, however, is Amazon's MP3 store - selling only DRM-free individual tracks for between $0.89 and $0.99. No word on when Apple will further increase their DRM-free library, but more changes are likely with the momentum of Amazon.