Apple’s new special edition Product (Red) iPhone 8 and 8 Plus devices look different from previous Product (Red) iPhones. The color is much darker, looking more like blood red or crimson. Why’s that exactly? The newer iPhone devices have glass backs, and that drastically changes the look. Last year’s Product (Red) iPhone 7, for example, featured a much brighter red.
The new iPhone 8 Product (Red) models now also have black fronts, as opposed to the white front on last year’s iPhone 7. The metal chassis as well as the frame around the camera lens use a brighter red color, creating a nice contrast with the moodier red on the back. The only other addition is the Product (Red) name on the rear at the bottom. We got a chance to handle these new color models, and they are easily the most beautiful Product (Red) iPhones we’ve ever seen. The tone of red is gorgeous, and if you’re considering buying one of these two devices, this is absolutely the color to get.
Founded in 2006 by U2’s Bono and Bobby Shriver from ONE Campaign, Product (Red) raises money to fight HIV/AIDS in eight African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia) by licensing the group’s name to Apple and other partner companies. Thanks to its long partnership with Red, Apple is the organization’s largest corporate donor, having raised $160 million since it first partnered with the charity 11 years ago.
The special edition iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (Red) devices are available for purchase on April 13, with prices starting at $700. Apple doesn’t specify exactly how much it sends to (Red) with each device sale, but 100 percent of the contribution is used to finance HIV/AIDS programs.
What about Apple’s flagship smartphone? If you’re an iPhone X owner feeling left out, there’s some consolation. Also announced alongside the new iPhone 8 models is a Product (Red) iPhone X Leather Folio case — created with specially-tanned and finished European leather for a luxurious look and feel. It indeed feels as luxurious as it looks, and you can pick this up now from the Apple Store. Still, we’re a little sad the iPhone X doesn’t get the new beautiful color.
“Today’s announcement is further evidence of Apple’s leadership in and commitment to the AIDS fight since the beginning of Red in 2006,” (Red) CEO, Deborah Dugan, said in a statement. “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.”
