Apple launches red iPhone 8 to keep line fresh

Apple launches the red version of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus on Monday, with sales starting tomorrow. (Photo from Twitter@RED)

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc announced new versions of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in red, keeping its entry-level iPhones fresh after being overshadowed for months by the iPhone X.

The new colour scheme is part of the "Product(RED)" initiative, a programme that gives a percentage of sales to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS. Apple didn’t announce a red version of the iPhone X, which remains available in either grey or white.

It’s the second year in a row that Apple has rolled out a red version of its latest iPhone. Last March, Apple launched a red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus and discontinued those models about six months later when the initial iPhone 8 line launched.

The red iPhone 8 models cost the same as the gold, grey, and silver versions, at $699 for the 4.7-inch display model and $799 for the 5.5-inch display Plus. The new colour goes on pre-order Tuesday and is available in stores from April 13, Apple said.

Sales in Thailand are expected soon. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are priced at 28,500 baht and 32,500 baht respectively at Apple Store Thailand.

The back of the phone is red, and the front is black. Last year’s model had a white front, which was derided by some who sought the red and black combination.

The company also introduced a red version of its leather folio case for the iPhone X.

The new model comes as Apple works on a larger, 6.5-inch iPhone, an update to the iPhone X, and a new low-cost model for the fall, Bloomberg News has reported.