TORONTO – Irish super-group U2 has had a longstanding relationship with tech giant Apple – but could the band be gearing up to help launch the company’s latest smartphone?
The latest round of rumours surrounding Apple’s secretive September 9 event suggests that U2 will be “heavily involved” with the launch of the iPhone 6, with some reports speculating that the band’s new album will come pre-loaded on the device.
According to a report by MacRumors, a top secret video shoot in Dublin, Ireland, fueled rumours that the band was working on material for Apple.
Music producer Stephen Browne tweeted a blurry picture of the shoot Wednesday, adding that the focus of the video appeared to be a phone.
CNET reporter Shara Tibken also Tweeted Wednesday that some are speculating Bono may be a special musical guest at the launch event.
If Apple’s relationship with the band is any indication, the rumours may have some merit. Apple first teamed up with the band in 2004 to launch a line of special edition U2 iPods, which featured band member’s signatures and came pre-loaded with U2 hits.
READ MORE: From iPhone 6 to the iWatch, here is what to expect from Apple’s Sept. 9 event
Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was good friends with frontman Bono and the company has been a long-time partner of Project Red, an AIDS charity founded by Bono.
However, according to the Irish Independent, a spokesperson for U2 said the band has not struck a deal with Apple to release their upcoming album on the iPhone.
“They are not releasing their album on the iPhone, and they are not performing at the iPhone launch,” the spokesperson said.
The iPhone 6 is largely expected to be the main attraction during Apple’s September 9 event.
WATCH: Apple fans in Hong Kong, Mississippi, and New York City are camping a few days in advance to get the new iPhone 6
The majority of reports suggest that Apple will announce not one but two new versions of its flagship product – one with a 4.7-inch screen and another with a 5.5-inch screen. If Apple does unveil a 5.5-inch version, it would be a direct competitor of other “phablets” on the market such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note smartphone line.
Comments