DRM-free music allows tracks to be played on any device, no longer just Apple products such as iPods.

Apple has decided strip its digital music store iTunes of its copy protection software, allowing consumers to play purchased music on all devices.

Apple has agreed with Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and EMI, along with thousands of independent labels to offer music on iTunes free of digital rights management (DRM) – meaning that music purchased can be played on all devices, not only Apple products.

The announcement was made at the end of the keynote address at the Macworld conference in San Francisco.

DRM-protected music prevented songs being copied and only allowed files to be played on Apple devices such as iPods.

Eight million of iTunes’ ten million songs in Apple’s DRM format will be made available for purchase from today (7 January). The remaining two million will be offered in iTunes Plus by the end of March.

Apple has also updated its pricing system – the music prices will come under a three-tiered system that will be in effect from April. Newer songs will be more expensive than back catalogue music.

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, said: “Based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available at one of three price points – 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29.”

In the UK, tracks are likely to cost 59p, 79p and 99p, with most albums remaining £7.99.

Customers will also have the opportunity to purchase better quality music at a slightly higher price. Previously downloaded music can be upgraded for 20p per song.

The move comes after both Amazon and play.com launched their own DRM-free music download stores set to rival the market leader Apple iTunes.

iTunes has sold more than six billion songs worldwide, has 75 million account holders and is the biggest music retailer in the US.