A new Apple product is going (RED) and no one saw it coming. The new iPhone made a splash on the market on Friday March 24, 2017  and is available for purchase worldwide in 128GB and 256GB models, starting at $749. While Apple has offered special product red cases for the iPhone before, this is the first time the actual phone is available in the color red itself. The new Product (RED) features a red aluminum finish and is being launched as part of Apple’s partnership with (RED) to fight AIDS and HIV.

 In 2006, founders Bobby and Bono Shriver began to make a AIDS/HIV free generation. They founded (RED) with a simple mission in mind, to make it easy for people and businesses to join the fight against this deadly disease. AIDS has killed more than 35 million people since 1981, when it was discovered. More than 37 million people are living with HIV, and mothers continue to pass the virus in shocking numbers to their children. How does (RED) operate you may ask? Well, (RED) is an online company that partners with businesses and sole proprietors to market and feature exclusive red items to raise awareness of the disease and promote the organization. 50 percent of profits from products that are sold go towards fighting and finding a cure for AIDS. Contributions help worldwide, especially in countries, such as Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and others where AIDS and HIV are at high risks.

 Apple’s partnership with (RED) highlights and involves the AIDS fundraising campaign with red-themed designs for products and apps. Apple recently turned its App Store and integrated top apps to be the color red for world AIDS day. Senior Sam Smith said, “I think that it is great that a large corporation such as Apple is supporting a cause to fight AIDS and is raising awareness.” Apple’s last color change to its lineup involved a new sleek jet black finish for the iPhone 7 and 7 plus, and before that, Apple also introduced the rose gold option with the iPhone 6S. The most recent color option is perhaps the most striking of all the colors available and is going to create a huge impact and make a difference!