Apple launches (PRODUCT) RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus to help combat HIV/AIDS

22/03/2017 Sandi

Apple has announced the new (PRODUCT) RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus special edition to signify 10 years of its partnership with (RED) under the Global Fund in fighting HIV/AIDS. In this way customers can contribute to the fund via sales.

“Since we began working with (RED) 10 years ago, our customers have made a significant impact in fighting the spread of AIDS through the purchase of our products, from the original iPod nano (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition all the way to today’s lineup of Beats products and accessories for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The introduction of this special edition iPhone in a gorgeous red finish is our biggest (PRODUCT)RED offering to date in celebration of our partnership with (RED), and we can’t wait to get it into customers’ hands.”

All the money raised by (RED) goes directly to the Global Fund to be able to perform their HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing specifically on reducing/eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Lubona was born HIV-free because (RED) helped her HIV positive mother access life-saving ARV meds during pregnancy. Photo courtesy of Stian Rasmussen.

“Apple is the world’s largest corporate donor to the Global Fund, contributing more than $130 million as part of its partnership with (RED),” said Deborah Dugan, (RED)’s CEO. “Combining the global reach of the world’s most loved smartphone with our efforts to provide access to life-saving ARV medication in sub-Saharan Africa, customers now have a remarkable opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the Global Fund through the purchase of this new beautiful (PRODUCT)RED iPhone.”

Since its inception in 2006, (RED) has generated more than $465 million for the Global Fund and has received more than $130 million from Apple alone.

Apple shared the following details on pricing and availability:

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition will be available in 128GB and 256GB models starting at US $749 (approx K7500) from apple.com and Apple Stores, and from Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary). The special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone joins iPhone 7 finishes in jet black, black, silver, gold and rose gold.
Both special edition models are available worldwide beginning Friday, March 24 and start shipping to customers by the end of March in the US and more than 40 countries and regions, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK and United Arab Emirates. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Turkey and other countries will follow in April.