Apple has asked HMV to remove a feature from its music app which allows users of the new iPhone to download music, bypassing Apple’s own iTunes service.

Apple has told HMV that the app will be suspended unless the changes are made, according to HMV’s owner Hilco.

HMV launched the iOS app alongside an Android version, allowing users to identify songs using recognition software.

HMV chairman Paul McGowan tweeted: "Apple have politely asked us to remove the #hmvapp from the AppStore. We have politely declined."

"It's about the fact that there were two hundred million digital downloads last year and HMV didn't have one of those," said James Coughlan, managing director of HMV Digital.