Apple to Launch Pre-Cut Ringtones at Next Week's Media Event?

CNET reports that Apple has obtained the rights to distribute pre-cut ringtones via iTunes and is rushing to have the feature enabled in time for next Wednesday's media event.

Owners of Apple's iPhone have long had the ability to create custom-made ringtones for their devices. The new music snippets are mainly a convenience, as they make it possible for iPhone owners to obtain a pre-cut ringtone instead of having to create their own.

Apple will announce the ringtones on September 9, the day the company has scheduled a press event, if managers can get them ready in time to sell, the sources said. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.

Custom ringtone creation was added to iTunes in September 2007 and allows users to create their own ringtone snippets up to 30 seconds in length from iTunes Store songs for $0.99 each. There is no word on pricing for the new pre-cut ringtones or for what portion of the catalog the feature will be offered.