iPhones for a cause

Earlier this month, Apple announced an iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Product RED Special Edition. The new phones started shipping and were available in stores on April 13. A portion of the proceeds from all Product RED purchases go directly to the Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants.

The special edition phones are available in 64 GB and 256 GB models and start at the retail price of $699. Everyone who buys these phones from Apple will be offered free personal setup in-store or online to help them customize their iPhone by setting up an email account, showing them apps from the App Store and more.

The money that goes towards the Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants provide testing, counseling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their children. Apple has served as the Global Fund’s largest corporate donor since 2006.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence of Apple’s leadership in and commitment to the AIDS fight since the beginning of [RED] in 2006,” CEO Deborah Dugan said. “The more than $160 million Apple has donated in the last 11 years today equates to more than 800 million days of lifesaving ARV medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies. We’re honored that Apple has dedicated its resources to our purpose, and can’t wait to see customers bring our mission to life through the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus RED Special Edition.”

Apple also put out a Product RED iPhone last year with the iPhone 7. One of the major differences between last year’s phone and this one is that Apple went with a black bezel on the front this time. Many people weren’t a big fan of the white faceplate on the 7 and think the red and black combination looks much better. The other difference is that this iPhone’s back is glass, whereas the iPhone 7’s was aluminum.

Apple also introduced a new Product RED iPhone X Leather Folio for $99. This case joins other RED products including Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker and accessories for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Since the release of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Product RED phones, the iPhone X sales have declined. Some are curious as to why Apple didn’t release a RED version of the X.

For those looking for a new phone and wanting to give to a good cause, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Product RED Special Edition phones might be a perfect way to satisfy those needs.