I know this isn't saying much, but I know that AAPL's deal with several record labels are up for expiration Jan-'06. I would think there is a lot of negotiating going on between them and the labels about what each other wants and or need from one another! IMHO JR
As I understand it, the negotiations are between the record companies and Apple. I am sure you have seen all the press about download prices and such. We are on the sidelines watching. The record companies are asking for the copy protection/iPod compatibility.