On the morning of Nov. 16, Apple Inc. made one of it’s most exciting announcements since the release of the newest iPhone, according to fans of the company’s music store. The corporation announced that the entire Beatles catalog was to be made immediately available for sale to iTunes buyers.

Filling their homepage with images, audio and video clips of the band, Apple is making sure that the public is aware of the controversial change. “In 1964 the band that changed everything came to America. Now they’re on iTunes,” reads a headline on their Web site concerning company’s step forward.

For years the musical sensation that is the Beatles could only be attained through the actual sale of records and vinyls, or of course through illegal downloading. The digital release of the band’s music on iTunes has been prolonged for years due to controversial trademark issues and ongoing lawsuits. Nevertheless, all of the group’s remastered albums are now available for sale through the iTunes store both individually and within completed box-sets. These box-sets, fit for the biggest fanatics and collectors, contain all albums from “Abbey Road” to the classic double albums such as “The White Album.” The Beatles’ singles may also be purchased individually at $1.29 a piece.

“It has been a long and winding road to get here,” said Steve Jobs, chief executive officer of Apple Inc. “Thanks to the Beatles and EMI, we are now realizing a dream we’ve had since we launched iTunes ten years ago.”

It took a long haul and a number of lawsuits to land the Beatles where they are this month in the digital world of music. It all began in 1978 when the Beatles directly claimed that Apple Computer Inc. had infringed on the band’s trademark name and logo of their own personal company, Apple Corporation. Lawsuits went back and forth for years, causing an ongoing dispute between the band and the computer turned music company which ultimately prolonged the availability of the band’s music on iTunes.

Apple found their fans constantly anxious and awaiting the availability of such monumental music. Fans, however, aren’t the only ones happy with the change.

“We’re really excited to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes,” said Sir Paul McCartney.

Members of the band are glad to have such a large fan-base, even decades after their arrival on the American music scene. Band members also admit to finding relief in the change.

“I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes,” said Ringo Starr. “At last, if you want it, you can get it now!”

“I think it’s so appropriate that we are doing this on John’s 70th birthday year,” said Yoko Ono in regards to her late husband.

Rare video footage of the band is also newly available to iTunes shoppers. A video of the band’s first American concert at Washington Coliseum in 1964 is also available with the purchase of the $150 box set along with mini documentaries that would make any fan swoon.

Apple is also making sure to run television ads for the big change, with hopes of happy fans and happier sales. Just in time for the holidays, the long-awaited release may be the perfect gift idea for devoted Beatles’ fans.