HMV attempt to launch iTunes competitor through iOS app store

In a ballsy move, former music retail giant HMV has launched a new iPhone app which allows users to purchase music through an online store, before importing the tracks into iTunes.

Not surprisingly, Apple asked HMV to remove the feature from its app as it would be a potential competitor to the iTunes store (which, as of February, had sold a tidy 25 billion songs), warning the app would be suspended unless changes were made by 6pm Monday, GMT.

HMV Chairman Paul McGowan tweeted: “Apple have politely asked us to remove the #hmvapp from the AppStore. We have politely declined.” In the same thread, he claimed the app was approved by Apple last month.

HMV refused to remove the feature, and Apple promptly removed the app from the iOS app store. Those who had previously downloaded the app could still use the download function.

McGowan released a statement shortly afterwards, which read in part:

“It is disappointing that Apple has chosen to suspend an app that has proven to be very successful in only a few short days despite Apple having already approved the exact same version on 15th September. We are unable to explain the change in Apple’s position as we have been given no explanation by them as to any difference they view between the approved version and the one suspended this evening.”

He also added, rather cheekily (after first noting on Twitter, “Android not affected. Over 10k downloads.”),

“The Android and HTML versions of the app are spectacular and are proving a big hit with UK consumers with downloads growing constantly over the last few days. They will also be launched in Ireland on 24th October and we have pencilled in a Canadian launch during November.”