U2’s new album, Songs of Innocence, has been released as a surprise free download to iTunes customers around the world with a physical version of the album to follow on October 13.
The highly anticipated album - the band's first since 2009's No Line On The Horizon - contains 11 tracks with the group describing it as their "most personal" work to date.
U2 announced the release to coincide with the launch of Apple's new iPhone 6.
The band also performed at the Apple event and previously collaborated with the company in 2004 with the release of a special U2 iPod.
The band said that the record charted U2’s earliest influences from 70s rock and punk rock to early 80s electronica and ambient music. The album was recorded in Dublin, London, New York and Los Angeles.
It is produced by Danger Mouse, along with Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Declan Gaffney and Flood.
Bono said of the record: "From the very beginning U2 have always wanted our music to reach as many people as possible, the clue is in our name I suppose — so today is kind of mind-blowing to us.
"The most personal album we've written could be shared with half a billion people… by hitting send. If only songwriting was that easy. It's exciting and humbling to think that people who don't know U2 or listen to rock music for that matter might check us out.
"Working with Apple is always a blast. They only want to do things that haven't been done before — that's a thrill to be part of."
The track listing for Songs Of Innocence is as follows:
1. The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)
2. Every Breaking Wave
3. California (There Is No End To Love)
4. Song For Someone
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Volcano
7. Raised By Wolves
8. Cedarwood Road
9. Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
10. This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
11. The Troubles
