Apple Announces Special Edition Red iPhone 8

Apple Announces Special Edition Red iPhone 8

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.

 

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Conversation 12 comments

  • DaddyBrownJr

    09 April, 2018 - 11:09 am

    <p>&lt;sounds&gt;crickets&lt;/sounds&gt;</p>

  • pwrof3

    09 April, 2018 - 11:26 am

    <p>At least they listened to the feedback and made it in black this time. </p>

    • SenorGravy

      09 April, 2018 - 7:38 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#260957"><em>In reply to pwrof3:</em></a></blockquote><p>Definitely an improvement. But I wonder why it can't simply be all red. Sigh. </p><p><br></p><p>"Apple".</p>

  • PincasX

    09 April, 2018 - 1:16 pm

    <p>Bashing a company for contributing to HIV/AIDS charities is a new low in cynicism for Paul. </p>

    • thisisdonovan

      09 April, 2018 - 5:10 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#261019"><em>In reply to PincasX:</em></a></blockquote><p><br></p><p>I'm not really seeing much bashing going on here…. </p><p><br></p><p>He does point out how little it is compared to their overall revenue though, which is unnecessary in my opinion. </p>

      • GT Tecolotecreek

        09 April, 2018 - 8:28 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#261139"><em>In reply to thisisdonovan:</em></a></blockquote><p>I'm sure Paul will post how much Thurrot.com donates to HIV/AIDS charities later today…</p>

      • robsanders247

        Premium Member
        10 April, 2018 - 3:36 am

        <blockquote><a href="#261139"><em>In reply to thisisdonovan:</em></a></blockquote><p>Overall revenue is not relevant, as only the Product RED products are adding contributions for the charity. I don't think we'll ever see specific sales numbers on the Product RED versions compared to the overall product sales, but it wouldn't be massive considering the products are released relatively late in the product cycle (it's April and only 5 months until new versions arrive) and the color has to appeal to the person buying it.</p><p><br></p><p>The one thing I do find remarkable is that when I was growing up, getting an HIV infection was leading to a certain death in a few years. 30 years later, we're at a point where we can control HIV infections (and with new medication like PREP even prevent it from developing inside the body at all), save an HIV positive person from developing AIDS and live a healthy life without having to swallow dozens of different pills every single day. It shows what the human kind is capable of doing when we all have the same mindset and focus our attentions on solving the problems in front of us.</p>

  • Igor Engelen

    09 April, 2018 - 3:11 pm

    <p>I'm considering this one to replace my old phone. Seems like a much better deal then the X </p>

  • MikeGalos

    09 April, 2018 - 7:17 pm

    <p>Realistically, considering they're only donating $14.5m per year and getting a tax deduction on that, it's safe to say that Apple is getting more free advertising on this than they're actually spending on charity.</p>

    • GT Tecolotecreek

      09 April, 2018 - 8:31 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#261162"><em>In reply to MikeGalos:</em></a></blockquote><p>Realistically, how much has MikeGalos donated? Is it safe to say probably really close to zero?</p>

    • rushmere

      10 April, 2018 - 2:17 am

      <blockquote><a href="#261162"><em>In reply to MikeGalos:</em></a></blockquote><p>So Apple benefits, the charity benefits, and lives are saved. A fantastic result all round.</p>

  • Angusmatheson

    10 April, 2018 - 5:34 am

    <p>As a gay man in his late 50s – I bet this issue is very close to Tim Cooks heart. He lived through those decades where the gay community was devistated by this incurable fatal illness that most contracted before anyone knew it excited. I remember caring for patients before we had highly active antiretrovirals for HIV virus. It was heartbreaking. And that there are so many in the world and even in the US who even today cannot get HAART because if the cost is even more heartbreaking. It is great that Apple is doing something. It should do more. I should do more. We should all do more.</p>

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