U2’s new album free on iTunes

Apple CEO Tim Cook (from left), and U2’s The Edge and Bono at the big Apple announcements Tuesday in Cupertino, Calif.

A staggering 500 million people around the globe are getting U2’s new “Songs of Innocence” album — for free to iTunes users beginning Tuesday. It’s the first LP the superstar rock group has released in five years.

The announcement about the U2 “gift” was part of the big unveiling Tuesday of the new iPhones and the Apple Watch at Apple’s Cupertino, Calif. headquarters.

As for the album, to get it, customers merely have to just click to play. It also will be available on Apple’s iTunes Radio and Beats Music. “It makes music history because it’s the largest album release of all time,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.

The album is exclusive to Apple’s platforms through Oct. 13.

Apple and it’s senior executives have long had a close relationship with U2. Bono, the group’s lead singer, was very close with the late, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs. In 2004, the company and the band released a special edition iPod with copies of the band members’ signatures on the back.

Apple and U2 also have been partners in Bono’s Product (RED) charity.