The major music lables have quashed rumours circulating yesterday that Apple would soon introduce Digital Rights Management (DRM)-free music downloads at its iTunes store.

Apple Inc. declined comment on the rumours but reps from Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group — the three largest music lables — were quick to confirm that Apple was only negotiating with them for DRM-free downloads.

Apple has been under pressure from its users and the competition to offer DRM-free tunes. But, as of now, the only major music producer to agree has been EMI.

For non-iTunes users and the non-musical in general, DRM is the copy-protection technology that prevents iTunes users from freely moving the tracks they’ve purchased between different music-playing devices.