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iTunes not ready to sing 'O Canada'

Apple misses its November deadline for launching a Canadian version of the online music store.

Ina Fried Former Staff writer, CNET News
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley.
Ina Fried
Apple Computer has missed its self-imposed deadline for launching a Canadian version of its online music store.

The company had promised a November launch of iTunes in the country. But as of Wednesday morning, the service has yet to go live for Canadian customers.

Apple launched its online music store in the United States more than a year ago and expanded to Britain, France and Germany in June. Last month, Apple added nine more European countries, with CEO Steve Jobs promising a Canadian store would launch as well.

In recent weeks, Apple reiterated its intentions for a November launch. Apple acknowledged the delay in a statement.

"We said that we would launch the iTunes Music Store in Canada by the end of November, but we're going to miss this deadline by a bit," Apple said. "You'll hear from us very soon."

An Apple representative declined to say what caused the delay or comment beyond the statement.

Trying to make the best of the situation, Canadian Mac site ehMac started a pool as to when the Canadian store would finally go live.

In addition to bringing its music store to Canada, Apple plans to bring its retail stores north of the border. The company plans to open a store in Toronto by the middle of next year.