Apple will donate some of its sales this shopping season to fight Aids

Your next iPod or iTunes app could help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

The December holiday season is the most profitable time of the year. Statistics aside, have you seen what happens on Black Friday? People go absolutely ape for the latest laptops, flatscreen TVs and patio furniture. To raise money and awareness during this time, Apple — proudly carrying the world’s most popular brand title — is having a fundraising campaign to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa after having partnered with the US-based NGO, Product (RED).

For the next two weeks, a special section of the Apple’s App Store called Apps for (RED) will offer 25 apps with exclusive content where all proceeds will go directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

Apple will also be donating a portion (we don’t know how much) of its sales revenue made on Black Friday and World AIDS Day, which falls on 1 December.

Started in 2006 by activists U2 frontman Bono and Bobby Shriver, Product (RED) is an NPO that partners with iconic brands like Coke Cola, Apple, Starbucks, Beats by Dr Dre, Shazam and Nike, in an effort to raise awareness and funding around HIV/AIDS. According to the site, (RED)’s partners donate up to 50% of the proceeds directly to the Global Fund.

“Apple isn’t just in the fight to end AIDS. They are setting a new bar for business, giving US$75-million and counting to the Global Fund as part of their partnership with (RED),” said Bono, co-founder of (RED). “I couldn’t be prouder to work with them.”

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The announcement follows both Facebook and Google’s recent efforts to raise awareness and raise funds to fight Ebola in West Africa.

“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.”

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Working with the Apple brand and app developers, the campaign starts today and ends on 7 December.

Of the 25 apps, Angry Birds will have an exclusive feature called Mighty Feathers among other things while Clash of Clans will have new gems and a special town banner.

Furthermore, US customers will receive a special edition (RED) iTunes gift card for the purchase of select Apple products.

Red iPad cases, anyone?