Rumors have been abounding that Apple is about to change the habits of a lifetime and run a version of iTunes which is DRM-free today.

The rumors have been that Apple will begin offering unprotected music files from the three largest recording companies, Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group.

However, it appears that the rumors are groundless, at least for the next few months.  Apple is is unlikely to announce anything from the top labels before the end of the year.

Many iTunes' competitors offer music stripped of copy-protection software and some fans of Apple's digital music store want Apple to follow.

However, Apple is unlikely to change the habits of a lifetime and stop wanting to control its users from using any device they like to play their music on.