Apple launches new products, apps to fight against AIDS

New York, Dec 1 (IANS) As it has done annually during the past decade, Apple on Thursday announced its new (RED) products and special edition apps to step up the fight against AIDS to mark World AIDS Day.

Limited edition (RED) content of 20 popular games, including Angry Birds 2, Candy Crush Jelly Saga, FIFA Mobile, Plants v Zombies Heroes and Clash of Clans, are on offer with the proceeds from the in-app purchases going to the Global Fund -- the recipient of (RED) funds -- to fight AIDS, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Apple's anti-AIDS campaign has been titled (RED). The products it introduces under this campaign are categorised as (PRODUCT)RED lineup.

In addition to the current (PRODUCT)RED lineup -- which is available for customers to purchase year-round -- the Cupertino-based tech giant is also adding four new (RED) products including an iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case, iPhone SE Case, Beats Solo 3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones and the Pill+ Portable Speaker, which are all available from Thursday.

Starting Thursday till December 6, for every purchase made with Apple Pay on Apple.com or through the Apple Store app, the company is donating $1 to its mission (RED).

Customers around the world can also easily donate directly to (RED) through iTunes.

"The gift of life is the most important gift that anyone can give. Thanks to the vision and dedication of (RED), an AIDS-free generation is within our reach," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement..

Apple has been releasing special edition products in the colour red for 10 years and 70 million lives have been impacted by (RED)-supported Global Fund grants, over the past decade.

The critical work of mission (RED) addresses the disparity in access to life-saving medication in sub-Saharan Africa which has the highest prevalence of AIDS on the planet.

The money raised by mission (RED) funds programmes that offer counselling, testing, prevention and the life-saving medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their unborn babies.