The Palm Pre will synchronize perfectly with Apple’s iTunes, copying across audio and video files as long as they aren’t copy-protected.  The news, which comes courtesy of Fortune, was first tipped back in January when Palm VP of design Peter Skillman demonstrated the Pre on video.

However, at the time there was no follow-up, and the knowledge that the Pre will connect to a computer as a mass storage device indicated that third-party apps would be needed in order to sync with iTunes.  According to Fortune, however, the required code for direct synchronization is baked into the Pre’s own firmware.

Apple have declined to comment on whether Palm’s actions might be considered impinging on its IP.  Still, Palm must be hoping that there are enough people considering switching to the Pre from the iPhone (and hopefully with DRM-free media files) to put direct compatibility into their new smartphone.