Apple Finally Sets Up iTunes Store for the Philippines

Posted on June 27th, 2012. Written by Rico.

For many years, those based in the Philippines have been able to buy and download apps for their iPod touches, iPhones, and iPads direct through Apple iTunes—but not music or movies. That has finally changed.

Starting today, those living in the Philippines can finally acquire songs and videos through the iTunes Store, without relying “on iTunes gift cards from the US (or other countries with iTunes [music] stores” reports CNET Asia.

The development is part of a region-wide rollout that saw Apple extend the same capability to customers based in 11 other countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In its official announcement, Apple emphasized it would feature international and regional artists like Jason Mraz, The Beatles, Yo Yo Ma, and Girls Generation in the iTunes Store catalog. Movies will be available in standard and high definition, and is sourced from “major studios including 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures.”

Already we have seen a single from Rico Blanco (“Amats”) highlighted on the iTunes Store home page. Not a surprise, considering that other local artists like Bea Alonzo have been available to iTunes users outside the country.

Prices should follow the same model as the US iTunes Store, which is to say a song would cost close to the local peso equivalent of $0.99. More detailed prices to follow once we compile the information, dear readers. We’ve taken a look through iTunes Store Philippines. Turns out items are available in US dollars, not Philippine Pesos. To wit:

• Songs – $0.99
• Albums – Start at $5.99
• Movies – Usually $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

(Screenshot courtesy CNET Asia)