Apple reveals special edition iPhone 8 models

Apple announced iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition, the new generation of iPhone in a red finish.

Both phones sport a glass enclosure, now in red, with a matching aluminium band and a black front.

The special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone will be available to order online beginning Friday, April 13.

A portion of proceeds for all (PRODUCT)RED purchases go directly to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counselling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.

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.

Apple VP of product marketing Greg Joswiak says, "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.

"iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus improve on everything we love about iPhone, including Retina HD displays that are more beautiful than ever, the most powerful and smartest chip ever in a smartphone with the A11 Bionic and more advanced cameras for unbelievable photos and videos.

"We are proud to support (RED) with this bold new iPhone and hope customers think it is as special as we do.

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are a new generation of iPhone featuring a glass and aluminium design made with durable glass, Retina HD display, A11 Bionic chip and are designed for augmented reality experiences.

iPhone 8 Plus features dual 12-megapixel cameras and introduce Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting, bringing dramatic studio lighting effects to iPhone, allowing customers to capture portraits with a shallow depth of field effect in five different lighting styles.

(RED) CEO Deborah Dugan says, "Today's announcement is further evidence of Apple's leadership in and commitment to the AIDS fight since the beginning of (RED) in 2006.

"The more than $160 million Apple has donated in the last 11 years today equates to more than 800 million days of life-saving ARV medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies.

"We're honoured that Apple has dedicated its resources to our purpose, and can't wait to see customers bring our mission to life through the purchase of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition."