Apple’s Black Friday profits to help fund Aids research

App Store will also feature special apps in partnership with Bono’s (RED) project

A member of the public celebrates at the launch of the iPhone 6 at the Apple store Covent Garden in London

Apple is teaming up with Bono once again — this time to help fight Aids by donating part of their profits on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to Aids research.

The company will also create a special section on the App Store, which will feature 25 popular apps with special new content. All of the proceeds from participating apps or in-app purchases will go to Aids research.

Apps participating in the scheme include Cut the Rope 2, Kim Kardashian and Fifa 15 Ultimate Team, as well as Apple’s own Garageband. Most are operating special red-themed in-game purchases, such as items of clothing to be worn by characters.

Apple will donate a portion of every sale in its retail and online stores on Monday, December 1 — Cyber Monday, and also World Aids day.

On Friday, November 28, Black Friday, Apple customers in the US will receive a special edition (RED) iTunes gift card when they buy certain products. For every card that is given out, Apple will give money to Aids charities.

“Apple is a proud supporter of (RED) because we believe the gift of life is the most important gift anyone can give,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “For eight years, our customers have been helping fight AIDS in Africa by funding life-saving treatments which are having a profoundly positive impact.

“This year we are launching our biggest fundraising push yet with the participation of Apple’s retail and online stores, and some of the brightest minds in the App Store are lending their talents to the effort as well.”

Product Red was created in 2002, allowing a range of companies including Apple to create special red products and donate some of the profits to Aids research. Apple has released special iPods and cases as well as other products as part of its involvement, and Apple is thought to have raised more than $80m for the charity since it began.

Apple is offering a Black Friday discount on iTunes online gift cards of £25 or more, as part of a number of Black Friday offers in the UK.