Apple is launching its iTunes music ctore in a further 56 countries. (Apple)

At a specially organized event on Tuesday in Moscow, Apple is to officially launch the iTunes Store not only for Russian users but for those in a further 55 countries, giving the company a reach that essentially covers half of the planet.

While Russian, Turkish, Indian and Indonesian users will be able to buy music, films and TV shows from the site, customers in the other 52 new countries will currently be restricted to music purchases.

In a statement regarding the launch, Apple said: "The iTunes Store features local artists including Elka in Russia, Sezen Aksu in Turkey, AR Rahman in India, and Zahara in South Africa, international artists including The Beatles, Taylor Swift and Coldplay, and world-renowned classical musicians including Lang Lang, Yo Yo Ma and Yuja Wang. Customers can choose from over 20 million songs available to purchase and download on the iTunes Store."

The rollout of iTunes will pave the way for the iPhone 5's upcoming launch in a further 50 countries. Apple plans to have rolled out its latest smartphone in a total of 100 countries, including Russia, South Africa, Indonesia and India, before the end of 2012.