Dear Apple, Tim Cook and Others involved in the fight to end HIV/ AIDS

For nearly two decades, Apple’s partnership with (PRODUCT) RED has been a beacon of corporate responsibility, innovation, and humanitarianism. Launched in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver to combat AIDS through the Global Fund, Apple quickly became the initiative’s flagship partner, integrating the bold red color into its product lineup and donating a portion of proceeds to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration has raised more than a quarter of a billion dollars from Apple alone, making the company the number one donor and supporter of the (PRODUCT)RED cause—funds that have provided lifesaving treatments, prevention programs, and support to millions in need.

The (PRODUCT)RED line became synonymous with Apple: from iPhones and iPods to accessories, it wasn’t just a color—it was a statement. It embodied the visionary spirit of Steve Jobs, who championed bold design and using technology for good. Under his leadership, Apple embraced causes that aligned with its core values of creativity and positive change. Today, with Tim Cook at the helm—a leader who has been a decades-long champion of LGBTQ+ rights and equality—the discontinuation of (PRODUCT)RED feels like a profound betrayal of that legacy. HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects the LGBTQ+ community, and Apple’s support has been a powerful ally in this fight. Removing (PRODUCT)RED from the lineup is not just a business decision; it’s an insult to the millions who have benefited, to the communities it served, and to the ethos that made Apple a global icon.

As a former Apple employee, I remember the heartfelt World AIDS Day sales events at our stores, where a portion of proceeds from purchases went directly to the (PRODUCT)RED program. In exchange, customers who made a purchase received exclusive (PRODUCT)RED Apple stickers as a token of appreciation and a reminder of the impact they were making. These events weren’t just promotions—they fostered community, raised awareness, and embodied Apple’s commitment to giving back. But now, it seems the new Apple has shifted its focus heavily toward taking from people—through ever-higher prices, subscription models, and ecosystem lock-ins—while scaling back on meaningful philanthropy. This stark contrast highlights a company that once led with purpose but now prioritizes profit over people.

As of 2025, Apple no longer offers any devices in (PRODUCT)RED, quietly phasing out the color option across its entire product range. The last remnants, like certain iPhone cases and older models such as the iPhone SE 3, have been discontinued entirely. This shift comes at a time when the world still needs urgent action against these diseases, exacerbated by global challenges like COVID-19. Why abandon a program that has done so much good, especially when Apple continues to thrive as one of the most profitable companies on the planet?

We, the undersigned—Apple fans, activists, consumers, and global citizens—demand that Apple:

1.  Immediately reinstate the (PRODUCT)RED program across key product lines, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and accessories, ensuring a portion of sales continues to support the Global Fund.

2.  Recommit to being the leading donor and supporter of (PRODUCT)RED, building on the more than quarter of a billion dollars already contributed and setting ambitious new goals for the next decade.

3.  Uphold the legacies of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook by prioritizing philanthropy that aligns with Apple’s values of innovation, inclusivity, and making a difference. Tim Cook’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ initiatives makes this cause even more personal—let’s see that passion reflected in action.

Apple has the power to lead by example. Bringing back (PRODUCT)RED isn’t just about a color; it’s about saving lives, honoring history, and proving that profit and purpose can coexist. Join us in demanding change—sign this petition and share it widely. Together, we can remind Apple that its true legacy is measured not in sales, but in the impact it leaves on the world.

Sincerely,

Jason Wade of The Gibbs Legacy and Supporters Worldwide

LINKS:

Red.org *PRODUCT RED WEBSITE*​

Apple Discontinues ALL Product Red Support Quietly​

Bono Criticizing Apple for Removal of Product Red Items ​

Introduction of the iPod Nano Product Red 2006 Steve Jobs and Bono​

Apple Products Red and The Fight to End Aids

PHOTOS:

PHOTO: Bono and Steve Jobs introduce iPod U2 Product RED edition (2006)

The band U2 with CEO Steve Jobs unveiling iPod U2 PRODUCT RED (2006)

Apple PRODUCT RED Lineup (Circa 2014-2015)

Apples last generation of PRODUCT RED products (circa 2022)