Apple brings out Product (RED) edition iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus phones

21 Mar 2017

The new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus Product (RED) devices in a shiny aluminium red finish. Image: Apple

New edition Product (RED) iPhone 7 devices released to help realise the dream of an AIDS-free generation.

Apple has unveiled new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus devices in a vibrant red aluminium finish as part of its partnership with (RED).

The launch of the new devices marks the 10th anniversary of the tech giant’s work with the charity.

The new special edition iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus – stylised (PRODUCT)RED – will be available in 128GB and 256GB models starting at €889 from Apple.com, Apple Stores, and select retailers and carriers.

They join a line-up of products including the full iPod range, Beats headphones and speakers and iPhone 7 battery cases, as well as accessories for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

As well as the new iPhone 7 in Product (RED) design, Apple also revealed a new iPad. The new 9.7-inch device – a successor to the iPad Air 2 – features a Retina display and an A9 processor.

The new iPad comes in silver, gold and space grey and starts at €419 for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and €579 for the 32GB Wi-Fi plus cellular model.

Red is the colour

(RED)’s critical work provides access to life-saving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to more than two-thirds of the world’s HIV-positive population.

“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 line-up 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.”

One-hundred per cent of all money raised by (RED) goes directly to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counselling, treatment and prevention programmes, with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mums to their babies.

Since it was founded in 2006, (RED) has generated more than $465 million for the Global Fund, with more than $130 million from Apple alone.

“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.”

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com