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iTunes Music going live in Turkey, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Russia & more ahead of tomorrow’s rumored Russia-based iTunes event (Update: 56 countries)

[tweet https://twitter.com/hayatisenturk/status/275700550144770048]

Update, Dec. 04: Apple issued a press release today confirming iTunes music will be rolling out to a total of 56 countries including India and South Africa. It also confirmed “movies are available today in Russia, Turkey, India and Indonesia.”

Earlier today, we reported that Apple was set to hold an iTunes launch event in Russia tomorrow as the company confirmed availability of the iPhone 5 in the country and many others for Dec. 14. Now, according to several tips from readers and the tweets below, iTunes music is starting to appear for iOS users in Turkey. Over the last couple of weeks, Russian users have noticed iTunes music on the App Store, and appledigger.ru reported today that the music is continuing to go live ahead of tomorrow’s launch event.

Like the cheaper 35-cent to 65-cent USD songs appearing for Russian users, songs listed for Turkish users are listed at 0,89 TL (roughly 50 cents USD). We also received tips that iTunes Match is appearing in both countries for around 799 RUB a year ($25 USD). Another Russian user also noticed an option to rent movies is now available from Apple TV devices in the country.

Apple confirmed earlier today that the iPhone 5 would go on sale in Turkey on Dec. 14—the same day as the Russian launch. So, it would make sense for iTunes music to roll out in the country simultaneously. It’s a possibility Apple will use this launch event to announce iTunes music for other countries, as well. Tipsters on Twitter are also reporting iTunes music is going live in Lebanon, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia…

Apple-wd noted this afternoon that the iTunes Store has also launched in Saudi Arabia, while Ukrainianiphone.com reports iTunes music content is appearing in Ukraine as well.

Update: Pocket.co.il reported today that iTunes music is also going live in Israel for some users.

[tweet https://twitter.com/hungry4music/status/275700772048609280]

[tweet https://twitter.com/korayguneri/status/275698504381370368]

[tweet https://twitter.com/bernardazar/status/275705028545740800]

[tweet https://twitter.com/jamwinner/status/275719594705039360]

[tweet https://twitter.com/shadikabbesh/status/275726769892515840]

[tweet https://twitter.com/mavincan/status/275731782308093952]

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.