It’s inevitable that Apple will pull the plug on digital music sales conducted through its iconic iTunes store, analysts said today.

But contrary to a report by Digital Music News, which cited anonymous sources “with close and active business relationships with Apple,” it’s very unlikely that the Cupertino, Calif. company has a two-year countdown in the works.

Apple has denied such plans in a rare public rebuttal.

But Apple will shutter its iTunes music business at some point, analysts agreed.

“It’s not a matter of whether [Apple stops offering downloaded music via iTunes], but when and how they’re going to position it,” said Aram Sinnreich, an associate professor at American University who researches the music industry and its transition to digital.

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