You can now remove that U2 album from your iPhone

Apple has released a tool that will let users remove its free gift to all iTunes users -- U2's newest album, "Songs of Innocence."

The tech giant and the mega-band gave the album to Apple customers for free last week, claiming that the instant distribution was the world's largest ever album launch. But not everyone was pleased to be included in that launch, particularly when the album showed up in people's iTunes libraries as a "purchased" album.

That automatic appearance in users' libraries was a surprise reminder -- and not necessarily a good one -- of the control Apple can have over what appears on your personal device.

And while U2 may claim the title of the "biggest band in the world" that hardly means that everyone wants their latest album; my Washington Post colleague Chris Richards has called the group's latest offering "dystopian junk mail." (For what it's worth, Post reviewer Allison Stewart says it's "actually not that bad.")

Having the album in your iTunes library without downloading it doesn't take up any room on your phone. But if you want to rid your device of any trace of the thing, you can now visit an official Apple Web site, sign in to your iTunes account and kiss the album goodbye. It should go without saying that deleting it means that you waive your right to getting the album for free.

On the flip side, if you're one of those people who actually wants  the album, be sure to download it by Oct. 13 to take advantage of the free offer.