Apple revealed today that it has reached a deal with John Lennon's estate to sell the former Beatle's music through iTunes.

The deal will cover 16 of Lennon's solo albums, including Working Class Hero and Walls and Bridges.

Furthermore, because Lennon's solo albums were distributed through EMI, Apple will also include the option to download DRM-free copies of the songs through iTunes Plus.

A big day for Lennon fans, but what about the prospects for Beatles music on iTunes?

15 Aug 2007

After the two Apples settled their court case in February, buzz began to circulate that a deal to bring the Beatles to iTunes would be in the works.

It would appear that this latest development would bode well for a possible deal. Apple now has solo deals worked out with Lennon's estate and Paul McCartney, two of the controlling parties of Apple Corporation, which controls the Beatles' catalogue.

Back in May, McCartney said that a deal between Apple and the Beatles was in its final stages. Unfortunately, that has yet to materialize.

Perhaps the Lennon deal will bring the two sides closer, or perhaps it signals an upcoming deal, or perhaps its merely the consolation prize in a deal that fell through.

Heck, Beatles fans have been waiting four years for a deal. What's another month or twelve?