Since 2006, Apple has been a key partner of (RED), the brand committed to the fight against diseases such as HIV (AIDS), tuberculosis and malaria. This alliance not only allowed Apple to raise millions of dollars for The Global Fund, but also made the iconic (PRODUCT) NETWORK synonymous with solidarity and social commitment.
However, the glory days of this color seem to be numbered: there are fewer and fewer products available in this variant, and rumors suggest that Apple could be slowly withdrawing its support for this line.
Apple says goodbye to its solidarity range in red
Currently, the only current generation product that carries the (PRODUCT)RED badge is the iPhone SE 3a model that will disappear in March 2025, with the release of the fourth generation. Beyond that, the offer of this color range is limited to some iPhone 14 and a few cases for older models.
What was once a significant presence in Apple’s catalog now appears to be limited to a few exceptions. The recent iPhone 15 and 16 do not include any (PRODUCT)RED option, marking a significant change compared to previous generations. Even the Apple Watch Series 9 came out in this red aluminum version last year, but it no longer offers this option on the Series 10, which launched in September without any trace of the vibrant solidarity color.
As if that were not enough, the popular Sport Band strap in (PRODUCT)RED, which complemented the Series 9, was also withdrawn. Meanwhile, Apple’s new Beats products are exploring alternative shades, such as Statement Red or Transparent Red, which while visually appealing, have no direct link to the (RED) initiative.
A definitive goodbye?
Although Apple has not issued any official statement about the future of (PRODUCT)RED, the trend is clear: the number of products available in this edition has decreased considerably in the last two years. This decline raises the troubling question of whether Apple plans to abandon collaboration entirely or whether it will limit itself to sporadic releases.
The disappearance of this range would not only affect consumers looking for a way to combine technology and solidarity, but also The Global Fund, which has received significant support from sales of these products. In its history, Apple has raised more than $270 million for this cause, and collaboration was for years an important part of its corporate social responsibility strategy.
Even though (PRODUCT)RED product offerings are shrinking, Apple continues to support The Global Fund through its annual giving program with Apple Pay. This year, the campaign will be active from November 29 to December 8, allowing users to contribute to the cause simply by making payments from their devices.
The future of Apple’s solidarity red color remains uncertain. Perhaps we will see its return in specific releases or perhaps we are witnessing the gradual farewell of one of the company’s most visible gestures towards global causes. For now, we just have to wait and see if the bitten apple will continue to rely on red as a symbol of hope or if this color will slowly fade from the world’s most iconic technological catalog.
