A portion of Apple's (PRODUCT)RED proceeds will go to COVID-19 response efforts

While Apple's (PRODUCT)RED proceeds usually go to HIV/AIDS assistance, the company plans to allocate a portion of the proceeds to COVID-19 response efforts from now until September 30. Apple hasn't said how much of the donations will go to Global Fund's COVID-19 Response. Still, it will apply to all (PRODUCT)RED gadgets and accessories, including the soon-to-be-available (PRODUCT)RED variant of the new iPhone SE.

(PRODUCT)RED is an ongoing partnership between RED and major companies like Apple, Starbucks, and Nike to help raise funds, spread awareness, and eradicate HIV/AIDS in African countries. Apple doesn't disclose how much money it redirects to the charity. But this isn't the first COVID-19-related assistance the tech giant is offering. Right now, it's working with Google to develop a contact-tracing system for mobile devices.

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple reveals iPhone SE available for preorder on April 17 for $599

Apple has finally launched a replacement for the beloved iPhone SE. Looking like an iPhone 8 but with updated features including an Apple A13 processor, wireless charging, and water resistance features. Available in black, white, and red, the iPhone SE is Apple's most affordable smartphone starting at $599 for the 64GB versions (it is also available with 128GB and 256GB storage capacities). 

Many consumers who prefer smaller iPhones or who aren't keen on the design of the iPhone X-line of phones, or who miss the home button will be satisfied with what the iPhone SE delivers. That it can use various cases and accessories fromd devices going back to the iPhone 6, is an even better reason for many people to upgrade. Preorders for the new iPhone SE beging on April 17.

Apple is selling the iPhone SE online in the US

Review: Apple iPhone SE

If you’ve been thinking of getting the iPhone SE, well the compact iPhone has made its appearance in Apple’s clearance section on the company’s US online store. The Verge reported it’s available in 32GB and 128GB models, with US$100 and $150 slashed off, respectively. But for now, we only see the 32GB version available in Rose Gold and Gold. This might not be up for long, so if you want the phone and have someone in the US who can get it for you, now might be the time to get one.

Apple closes chapter on headphone jacks, kills off 4 models from its site

We say goodbye to the iPhone SE and this classic Apple designIt’s typical for Apple, or any other tech company, to discontinue old models as they introduce new devices. This time around the company kills off four devices from its lineup: the iPhone X, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, and the iPhone SE. These four phones are no longer available on Apple’s site. It seems surprising that Apple killed off the iPhone X less than a year since it was introduced, but it also seems logical with the new iPhone Xs carrying the same base model price but with better specs. Perhaps Apple didn’t want to make the iPhone X redundant.

As for the other three devices, having them taken out of Apple’s lineup means we’ve seen the last of headphone jacks on iPhones. The 6S models and the SE were the last iPhones to carry the audio port. The SE is also the last device to carry the style of the iPhone 5 and it was popular with consumers who wanted a relatively inexpensive and smaller iPhone. Right now the smallest and least expensive iPhone option is the iPhone 7 but this has a 4.7-inmch screen compared to the 4-inch one on the SE and is US$100 pricier than the SE at US$450.

Source: Insider