By AppleInsider Staff

Published: 02:05 PM EST (11:05 AM PST)

U2 and Apple partnership fuses art, technology & commerce.

Apple today introduced the iPod U2 Special Edition as part of a partnership between the computer company, U2 and Universal Music Group (UMG) to create innovative new products together for the new digital music era. The new U2 iPod holds up to 5,000 songs and features a black enclosure with a red Click Wheel and custom engraving of U2 band member signatures.

"U2 and Apple have a special relationship where they can start to redefine the music business," said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M Records. "The iPod along with iTunes is the most complete thought that we've seen in music in a very long time."

"U2 is one of the greatest bands in the world and we are floored to be working with them," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We just want to make some innovative products together, and we hope U2 fans will love having their very own special edition iPod."

The new U2 iPod is being introduced as the band prepares to release their new album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" in late November. In addition to the new U2 iPod, the results of the U2, Apple and UMG partnership include:

U2's single "Vertigo" from their upcoming album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" is available exclusively in the US through the iTunes Music Store;

Apple and U2 have created a television ad featuring U2 band members performing their new single "Vertigo." The ad is a cross between Apple's "Silhouette" ads and a music video; and

Apple has created the online music industry's first-of-its-kind "Digital Box Set." The first digital box set, "The Complete U2," will contain over 400 tracks including all of the band's albums and over 25 rare and unreleased tracks. U2 fans will be able to purchase and download The Complete U2 with just one click on the iTunes Music Store in the US and Europe beginning in late November for just $149 (US).

The U2 iPod features Apple's patent pending Click Wheel, up to 12 hours battery life and Shuffle Songs. All iPods work with Apple's iTunes. U2 iPod customers will receive a coupon for $50 off the purchase of "The Complete U2" available exclusively on the iTunes Music Store.

Pricing & Availability

The new 20GB iPod U2 Special Edition is expected to be available mid-November for a suggested retail price of $349 (US) through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The U2 iPod includes earbud headphones, 1.2m 30-pin to FireWire cable, a 1.2m 30-pin to USB cable, and a CD with iTunes 4.7 for Mac and Windows computers. Optional accessories include the iPod Dock for $39 (US) and in-ear headphones for $39 (US).