U2’s Album Free Download On Apple Services Pays Off, 81 Million People Listened-Reports Say

Apple Inc. reportedly dishing out a hefty $100 million for a free download of rock band U2 latest album during the latest iPhone 6 and 6 Plus unveiling has paid off.

Time Magazine reported that U2's album 'Song of Innocence,' has been downloaded 26 million times which translate to 81 million people listening to the album.

The 'Song of Innocence' album could be downloaded for free by iTunes subscribers until Oct.13.

Time Magazine also reported that the songs have been downloaded in several of Apple Inc. services, from iTunes Store, iTunes Radio and Beats Music.

Although the $100 million payment for U2 album has been quoted in several media articles, neither Apple nor U2 representatives have confirmed the amount. The reports also added that part of the "payment" is ad campaign in the works for the band.

In an earlier interview U2's manager Guy Oseary told Billboard the band's album, which Apple is giving away to its subscribers, took five years to make.

Oseary was quoted as saying, "U2 worked five years on this album, they poured blood, sweat, tears into project, and we were really confident with it. The goal was: how do we reach as many as possible?"

U2's album launching in the Apple event is a way for the band to "reach its potential," with at least 500 million subscribers of iTunes.

"Well first of all, when music becomes a piece of the conversation at an Apple event, that's always a good thing. Two is, the power of music and the fact that it can actually be shared with 7 percent of the planet in one push of a button. That's a pretty big concept. Any sort of innovation may inspire other people to do things that are innovative," Oseary was quoted as saying in the Billboard interview.

By Oct. 14, the album with 10 available songs can be purchased.