Computer group Apple is expected to launch the long-awaited European version of its popular US digital download service iTunes next week.

The technology has been credited with kick-starting the record industry's fightback against piracy and falling sales. Industry sources believe iTunes will launch in Britain on June 15.

Music downloading could be the salvation of the outdated Top of the Pops and other chart shows that rely on sales of singles, or a combination of sales and radio airplay, to gauge tracks' popularity.

An official download chart is expected to start in autumn, a possible precursor to digital tracks being included in the official UK Top 40. Record chiefs hope the move will revive the troubled singles chart.

Apple, notoriously secretive when it comes to announcing new products and services, has called a press conference for that date, claiming that "the biggest story in music is about to get even bigger".

In the US, iTunes has sold more than 70m tracks in a year after Apple chief executive Steve Jobs called on record firms to license more of their catalogue for digital download. He intervened to ensure fans could buy Hotel California by The Eagles, his favourite band, through the online store.

Its clear pricing structure, with all tracks costing 99 cents, and extensive catalogue have been credited with helping to wean customers from free peer-to-peer download services such as Kazaa.

The record industry has blamed illegal downloading and physical piracy for a calamitous drop in global sales.

Apple's iTunes Europe will have to contend with more competition than when it launched in the US since the relaunched Napster has beaten it to market.