Bono doing an odd finger-touch thing with Tim Cook. Awkward. Source: @DanJackson415 via Twitter

Updated 8.17pm

U2 HAVE ANNOUNCED that they are releasing their new album today, for free, via iTunes.

The band appeared at Apple’s launch event for the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch in Cupertino, California – where they also performed on stage.

Speaking on stage with Apple boss Tim Cook, Bono said their new album Songs of Innocence had just been released to half a billion people for free on iTunes. Cook chimed in:

We are not kidding, that just happened.

And here it is on Irish iTunes:

Meanwhile, the album – described as “U2′s most personal work to date” – is also getting its radio debut on RTÉ 2fm. The station last week refused to comment on rumours that it would be premiering the album.

According to publicity materials, Songs Of Innocence charts “the band’s earliest influences from 70s rock and punk rock to early 80s electronica and ambient music” and deals with “themes of home and family, relationships and discovery.”

Songs Of Innocence will get a physical release on October 13th, when shoppers will be able to buy a “deluxe version” of the album with four additional tracks and acoustic version of some songs.

Many people have reacted with delight to news of the mass Apple giveaway. However, some were less pleased: