In 2006. U2 frontman Bono and Bobby Shriver announced the creation of the Red Initiative. The Red Initiative had a simple goal of partnering with major brands to raise social awareness and money to combat HIV/AIDS, Turburculosis, and Malaria in African nations. Those countries have been historically hardest hit by these epidemics and, because of rampant poverty and lack of government resources, have also been the most under served in treatments, care, and vaccines.
Today, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple announced that Apple is upping their commitment to the initiative as he took the wraps of Apples contribution to the effort in the form of a beautiful new red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The announcement was made alongside announcements for a new iPad and a new video editing application. While Apple has been working with Red for nearly a decade, this offering represents their most public and significant offering to date, according to statements made by Cook during the announcement.
While it's unclear how many special iPhones dedicated to Red the company plans to make, an Apple spokesperson told tech website Mashable that they plan to make 'a bunch of them' and they are excited to get them in front of customers. To date, Apple has been the largest corporate contributor to the global Red fund donating more than $130 million in profits to help the effort.
Prices for the iPhone 7 Special Edition and the iPhone 7 Plus Special Edition go on sale soon and will start at $749 US. Both editions will be available worldwide in more than 40 countries beginning on Friday, March 24th.