Apple's iPhone 8 might have been a bit of a flop - at least by Apple's usual standards - but that hasn't stopped the firm from launching a new colour variant, somewhat daftly named as the (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition.

While the name might be a bit kooky, there is something rather special about this special edition, which is that Apple will funnel money from purchases of it to "provide testing, counseling and treatment for tens of millions of people living with HIV/AIDS".

This is a new red-coloured version for both the iPhone 8 and the larger iPhone 8 Plus, which Apple has launched on April 9 with a press release.

Online sales will begin from April 10, while Apple stores will stock both handsets from April 13. The special red models will come in 64GB and 256GB storage editions, starting from $699. 

iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition – iPhone X Will Get Similar Treatment Too

Apple is also releasing a new (PRODUCT)RED Leather Folio case for the iPhone X, which is priced at $99.

The (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be available first to consumers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and the US.

iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition Release Date

However, later in April, joining the fun will be  Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and UAE.

Finally, in May, the last wave will see availability for Chile, Colombia, India, Israel, and Turkey.

This special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone features a stunning red and black color combination and also offers customers the opportunity to make an impact in fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing.

“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.”