Apple has announced a new red-colored iPhone model for the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus. Much like the iPhone 7, the red version of the newer versions of the iPhone will have the same specifications, just a different color. However, it seems that the iPhone X isn’t getting a red version as the newest model is limited to only the 8 and 8 Plus.
Many people are huge fans of the red iPhone design. There’s also a reason why Apple rolls out red versions of their phones a few months after their release. The company works with another company known as Product (RED) which is responsible for campaigns that aim to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa. It seems that Apple will be following the same formula as last year when the red iPhone 7 came around, with the exception of the front panel. Instead of a white-bezeled model like last year, this year’s red phones will have a black front panel.
What’s surprising is that Apple didn’t announce a red version for the iPhone X, their latest and most high-end phone on the market currently. This is certainly not helped by the fact that there are rumors that Apple is not happy with the performance of the iPhone X in terms of sales. Perhaps Apple had set higher expectations for its best phone available. Without a doubt, the phone is really good and has made a lot of sales, but perhaps they didn’t meet Apple’s expectations.
There are then further rumors that since Apple is not happy with the sales of the iPhone X, they’re likely going to take it off the markets soon and introduce a newer version of the phone. The decision to not include a red iPhone X may be confirming these rumors as it seems Apple isn’t interested in producing more of the iPhone X. However, nothing is certain yet as Apple makes it official. The iPhone X will receive a red leather case though, so the red theme isn’t completely lost on the phone.
As for the iPhone 8, the new red finish looks beautiful, to say the least. Both versions of the iPhone 8 now have their glass enclosure in red with a matching aluminum band, and as already mentioned, a black front panel. Since the red phones are made in collaboration with PRODUCT(RED) (as seen on the back of the red iPhones), a portion of the sales revenue will go towards the company trying to fight HIV and AIDS.
“A portion of proceeds for all (PRODUCT)RED purchases go directly to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counseling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.”
Apple has already donated more than $160 million towards the cause ever since the partnership began, making it PRODUCT(RED)’s biggest corporate donor.
“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,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing.
Given Apple’s track record, it’s likely that the newer iPhone versions will get similar red versions down the line too, which will surely contribute towards the battle against AIDS. As for the current phone, starting April 10th, Apple will start taking preorders for the red iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus. The phones will be shipped on Friday, April 13th and will also be made available in stores on the same day. The phones will be made available in 64 GB and 256 GB versions (no 128 GB sadly) and the starting retail price will be $699.