Technology giant Apple gifted each and every iTunes user with a free copy of the new U2 album Songs Of Innocence last week. While some users were pleasantly surprised by the free tunes, others complained about Apple’s assumption that they would enjoy having new U2 music placed directly into their iTunes libraries. Now, in an attempt to dispel those frustrations, Apple have released a one-click tool which removes all traces of the album.
Apple have outlined that the tool removes Songs Of Innocence from both the user’s iTunes music library and from the user’s purchase history. “Once the album has been removed from your account, it will no longer be available for you to redownload as a previous purchase,” Apple have said. “If you later decide you want the album, you will need to get it again.” Luckily, the album will remain free until mid-October.
Rapper Tyler, The Creator described Apple’s U2 free-for-all as “legit like waking up with a pimple or like a herpe”. Many iTunes users agreed. Ruban Nielson, frontman of American/New Zealand band Unknown Mortal Orchestra, has also taken to social media, suggesting to fans via Twitter that Songs Of Innocence may be “the soundtrack to a dance on [Apple founder] Steve Jobs’ grave”, distributed by what he called “silicon valley jerkoffs”.
Songs Of Innocence will remain free to all iTunes users until 13th October 2014, and will be available for purchase after that date. So if you change your mind, make sure you grab it again before Apple start charging. Readers can access Apple’s Songs Of Innocence removal tool now.
