The long-rumored (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus is real, Apple confirmed today. It features a new deep red color, as you’d expect, but is otherwise identical to its less colorful siblings.
“This special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone features a stunning red and black color combination and also offers customers the opportunity to make an impact in fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS,” Apple VP Greg Joswiak said in a prepared statement. “We are proud to support (RED) with this bold new iPhone and hope customers think it is as special as we do.”
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The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition handsets will be available to order online starting tomorrow in “select countries and regions.” And you will be able to purchase the devices in stores starting on Friday, April 13. Pricing is identical to non-(PRODUCT)RED versions of the handsets—$699 and up for iPhone 8 and $799 and up for iPhone 8 Plus—but Apple donates an undocumented portion of these sales to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants.
Apple says it has donated over $160 million to Global Fund since 2006. That’s a tiny fraction of the profits it makes on iPhones or overall, but it’s a significant sum for the organization receiving the money.
“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,” (RED)’s Deborah Dugan says. “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 purchase of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition.”
Missing in action, of course, is a (PRODUCT)RED version of the iPhone X, Apple’s underperforming flagship smartphone. But existing iPhone X users can now purchase a (PRODUCT)RED iPhone X Leather Folio for $99 instead. Lucky you.