Apple has announced a new special Red edition of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, as part of its partnership with Product (RED), an advocacy group dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS in Africa.The special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone will be available to order online in select countries and regions from Tuesday and in stores beginning Friday, Apple said in a statement.
In India, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition will be available in May with prices starting Rs 67,940. It will be available in 64GB and 256GB models at Apple authorised resellers and select telecom operators.
Apple also introduced a new (PRODUCT)RED iPhone X Leather Folio for Rs 7,900. The folio is made from a specially tanned and finished European leather.
"This special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone features a stunning red and black colour combination and also offers customers the opportunity to make an impact in fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's Vice President of Product Marketing.
Apple said that a portion of proceeds from all its (PRODUCT)RED purchases go directly to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counselling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.
Apple is the world's largest corporate donor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, contributing more than $160 million as part of its partnership with (RED).
"Today's announcement is further evidence of Apple's leadership in and commitment to the AIDS fight since the beginning of (RED) in 2006," said Deborah Dugan, (RED)'s CEO.
"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," Dugan added.
(With IANS inputs)