Apple Announces New Red iPhone 8 & 8 Plus Including Commitment to Renewable Energy

Apple has launched the new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition, in red finish.

Both devices sport a glass enclosure, now in red, with a matching aluminium band, black front including a Retina HD display, the A11 Bionic chip, dual 12-megapixel cameras and introduces Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting.

The special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone will be available to order online in select countries and regions Tuesday and in stores beginning Friday, April 13.

The company also introduced a new (PRODUCT) RED iPhone X Leather Folio in what Apple says is crafted from specially tanned and finished European leather.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing says since partnering with (RED) in 2006, Apple has donated more than $160 million to the Global Fund, serving as the organisation’s largest corporate donor.

“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.”

A portion of proceeds for all (PRODUCT)RED purchases go 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 mothers to their babies.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition will be available in 64GB and 256GB models starting at £699 (R 12,000).

At the same time, as part of its commitment to combat climate change and create a healthier environment, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced its global facilities are powered with 100 percent clean energy.

Cook says the new achievement includes retail stores, offices, data centers and co-located facilities in 43 countries — including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and India.

“We’re committed to leaving the world better than we found it. After years of hard work we’re proud to have reached this significant milestone.”

The company also announced nine additional manufacturing partners have committed to power all of their Apple production with 100 percent clean energy, bringing the total number of supplier commitments to 23.