Speculation suggests that the U2 will team up with Apple and pre-load their new album on the next generation iPhone.

Apple are expected to launch their new smartphone, the iPhone 6, at an event on September 9th and, as big as these launches usually are, this one could eclipse any tech announcement this year.

Apple has constructed a strange, two-storey box-like building to host the launch next week leading many commentators online to suggest that U2 will perform at the event. Why have they come to this conclusion? Let's review the facts to date, shall we:

We know that U2 have a brand new album on the way. In fact, it was supposed to be out by now but has been delayed for unknown reasons. Was that decision made to allow U2 to include the album on the iPhone, instantly guaranteeing them a Platinum record?

You might also recall the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin being closed a week or so ago to accommodate the shooting of a music video for an unnamed band by director Mark Romanek. The director has worked extensively with both U2 and Apple over the years and, according to Stephen Browne on Twitter who apparently sneaked a peak, the video extensively featured the new iPhone.

More evidence? Julian Lennon, son of John and friend of Bono, let slip to Spanish journalists that U2 were "shooting an Apple commercial".

Furthermore, U2 and Apple have worked together in the past. Apple VP Jimmy Iovine oversaw the release of the (RED) iPod to help raise funds for Bono's AIDS charity. As well as that, Bono and Apple founder Steve Jobs were known to be friends before Jobs' passing.

This sort of music/tech partnership wouldn't be unprecedented either, as Jay Z's last album Magna Carter Holy Grail came pre-loaded on the last Samsung Galaxy phone.

Various media are reporting that the new U2 song will be premiered on 2fm sometime next Tuesday.

We'll bring you more on this as soon as we have it.


(via Business Insider)