News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Apple has launched a red version of its flagship iPhone 7 and 7 Plus smartphones, expanding the range of options available to customers.

The red model will join Apple's existing choice of colours, which includes silver, gold, rose gold, black and "jet black".

The red model marks more than 10 years of partnership between Apple and AIDS charity (RED), founded by U2 frontman Bono and activist Bobby Shriver.

Buying the phone gives customers a way to contribute to the (RED) Global Fund, which aims to eliminate AIDS, while also boasting a "special edition" Apple device.

The red iPhone will be available to order online worldwide and in stores beginning Friday, March 24.

It will be available in 128GB and 256GB models, starting at £699 from Apple.com and Apple Stores, and from Apple authorised resellers and mobile operators such as EE, Vodafone and Carphone Warehouse.

Apple has not said what proportion of the sales price will be donated to the Global Fund, but (RED)'s chief executive Deborah Dugan claims that the phone maker has contributed more than $130 million (£104 million) over the past decade.

"Combining the global reach of the world's most loved smartphone with our efforts to provide access to life-saving ARV medication in sub-Saharan Africa, customers now have a remarkable opportunity to make a difference," she said.

First launched in September 2016, the iPhone 7 sports the same aluminium design and rounded edges as the iPhone 6 and 6s, but this time without the white antenna lines across the back.

It is both water and dust resistant, with a classification known as IP67, meaning it can be submerged in water to a depth of roughly 1 metre for up to 30 minutes.

The iPhone 7 's Retina HD display is 25% brighter than on the iPhone 6s, while retaining the 3D Touch capability.

It also features a "force-sensitive" Home button, meaning it works together with a new Taptic engine to give users haptic feedback when pressed.

There's no headphone jack on the iPhone 7, but Apple does include a pair of headphones in the box, with a Lightning connector that plugs straight into the charging port.

There is also a headphone-jack-to-Lightning-port adaptor, so you can still use your old headphones with the iPhone 7 if you're particularly attached to them.

The iPhone 7 has one rear-facing 12MP circular camera, while the 7 Plus has a dual-camera setup, allowing users to create more artistic effects.

You can read our full reviews of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus be clicking on the links.