TL;DR
Apple partnered with (RED) for a short Apple Pay fundraiser, donating $5 per qualifying purchase through December 7, 2025. The effort was capped at $3 million and (RED) later confirmed that the cap was reached.
What happened
Apple and the charity (RED) ran a time-limited fundraiser that offered a $5 donation to the Global Fund for each qualifying purchase completed with Apple Pay. The promotion applied to transactions made in physical Apple Stores, on Apple’s online store and via the Apple Store app, and it ran through December 7, 2025. Organizers set a maximum aggregate donation of $3 million for the campaign. On December 30, (RED) posted on Threads confirming that Apple had hit that $3 million cap. The collaboration is part of a long-running relationship between Apple and (RED) that dates back to 2006; historically the partnership included special red-branded hardware and accessories and in recent years has emphasized Apple Pay–based fundraising around World AIDS Day. Apple’s prior disclosures say the partnership has generated more than $270 million for HIV/AIDS programs, according to a 2021 Apple press release.
Why it matters
- Funds raised are destined for the Global Fund, supporting programs related to HIV/AIDS testing, prevention and care.
- Using Apple Pay as the donation trigger shows how mobile payment systems can be leveraged for short-term charitable drives.
- A fixed donation cap limits total proceeds, making the speed of consumer participation important to reaching fundraising goals.
- The campaign continues a long-term corporate-charity partnership that has produced substantial past funding.
Key facts
- Apple donated $5 for each qualifying purchase made with Apple Pay during the promotion.
- The campaign covered purchases at Apple Stores, Apple Store Online, and the Apple Store app.
- The offer ran through December 7, 2025.
- Donations were limited to a maximum of $3 million.
- (RED) confirmed on December 30 that the $3 million donation cap was reached.
- Proceeds from the campaign were directed to the Global Fund, described on (RED)’s site as a US-based charity focused on fighting AIDS.
- Apple and (RED) have partnered since 2006, previously producing (PRODUCT)RED-branded devices and accessories.
- Apple cited that the partnership had contributed more than $270 million toward HIV/AIDS programs as of a 2021 press release.
- Apple has in recent years favored Apple Pay–based fundraising efforts around World AIDS Day (December 1).
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will run similar Apple Pay fundraising campaigns next year (not confirmed in the source).
- How the Global Fund allocates the money raised from this specific campaign (not confirmed in the source).
- Timing details about when during the promotion the $3 million cap was reached beyond the December 30 confirmation (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Apple Pay: Apple’s mobile and digital wallet payment system that lets users make purchases in apps, on websites, and in stores using Apple devices.
- (RED): A licensed charity brand that partners with companies to raise money and awareness for programs that combat HIV/AIDS and related health issues.
- Global Fund: An international financing organization that invests in programs to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; described in the source as a US-based charity in this campaign.
- World AIDS Day: An annual observance on December 1 intended to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic and remember those who have died of the disease.
Reader FAQ
How much did Apple donate per qualifying purchase?
Apple donated $5 for each qualifying Apple Pay purchase during the promotion.
When did the Apple Pay fundraiser run?
The campaign ran through December 7, 2025.
Where did qualifying purchases need to be made?
Qualifying purchases were those made with Apple Pay at Apple Stores, on Apple Store Online, or in the Apple Store app.
Where do the donations go?
Donations were designated for the Global Fund, a charity focused on fighting AIDS.
Was the $3 million cap reached?
(RED) confirmed via a Threads post on December 30 that the $3 million donation limit was reached.
iOS 26 has three new iPhone features I’ve been really loving Ryan Christoffel Dec 29 2025 APPLE PAY PRODUCTRED Apple and (RED) announce limited-time $3M Apple Pay partnership [U: $3M…
Sources
- Apple and (RED) announce limited-time $3M Apple Pay partnership [U: $3M reached]
- Apple Pay Raised $3M for AIDS Fight in 10 Days
- 1) they just ate every other 3rd par…
- I had an Apple store experience from hell — and it's clear …
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