A range of apps have been updated today with limited-time promotions, in aid of the (RED) charity. Apple has participated in the event with an update to GarageBand, offering a limited-edition In-App Purchase that makes over 300 new drum, guitar, synth and bass loops available as an In-App Purchase. All proceeds from the sale of this expansion pack go directly to the (RED) charity, which sends the money to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The In-App Purchase, which is priced at $0.99, will be available until December 7th.
Other notable developers are also participating, many of which including exclusive additional content. For example, Threes has been updated, with a fresh red theme and updated icon. Monument Valley has added one special (RED) level, Star Walk has added exploration of Mars, The Red Planet. The popular drawing app, Paper, has also participated with a red application theme and icon. The ‘Over’ app has made special edition font and artwork packs available for purchase. djay and Heads Up! are also taking part in the event. Like GarageBand, 100% of proceeds of app and IAP sales go to the (RED) fund.
Also included in the promotion: Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, FIFA 15, Clear, Cut The Rope 2. More are no doubt rolling out to the Store and we expect Apple to add a featured (RED) category soon collating them all.
Apple has gone all-out with this GarageBand update, even changing the app icon as seen above to a shade of red. Upon opening the app, users asked to buy the loops bundle to help AIDS with a (RED) themed introduction sequence. The loops are designated with a red icon inside the app itself, in contrast to the usual blue color. As of June, Apple’s (RED) promotions (which have included special-edition iPods and such in the past) totalled $75 million. Apple is the biggest contributor to the scheme.
