Billboard reports that the next version of Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone may feature a new wireless internet connection and offer more tracks as ringtones than are currently available. Potential ringtones are currently limited to about 500,000 tracks, but the new plan will increase that number and extend the feature to ringback tones as well. Of course, this assumes that Apple and the record labels can build a decent relationship.

Apparently, Apple and the record labels are in dispute over how much the iTunes Store will charge users to download tracks via a wireless iPhone connection, for ringtone use or not. Billboard cites a New York Times article that claims "labels charge more for mobile music downloads than they do downloads via a computer, and apparently there's still some back and forth over that issue." The wireless connection currently offered is a slower version than the 3G access that projected for the new iPhone, opening new locations and a "broader range of access."

The music industry just can't catch a break. With CD sales in free fall for years, the record labels had been relying, believe it or not, on growth in ringtone sales to make up for lost revenue. But, The New York Times reports, the party may be over. According to Broadcast Music Inc., ringtone sales are expected to drop $50 million to $550 million this year. However, in a bit of good news, ringback sales -- yes, you can buy music that plays while you are waiting for a phone call to be answered -- are expected to increase to $65 million this year.

Does anyone else find it sort of pathetic that people spent $600 million on ringtone sales last year? It started out as cool and clever but now that so many people have same ones, it's not. It's annoying. According to the Billboard Hot Ringtones chart (I'm not making this up), the number one ringtone is Chris Brown's "Poppin'," with annoyingly omnipresent songs like "My Humps," "Candy Shop," and "Because I Got High" all making appearances.