MANILA – Apple Inc. may introduce a red version of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus at an event in March, according to Japanese blog Macotakara.

While introducing a new iPhone color in the middle of the current model’s one-year cycle is uncommon for Apple, the company has released a steady stream of red iPods and various accessories to help raise funds for HIV/AIDS awareness.

The report said Apple could also announce during the same event in March, a 128GB storage option for the iPhone SE, which is essentially 2013's iPhone 5s with upgraded internals.

Macotakara has a reputation for accurate Apple product leaks, with sources in the supply chain. It accurately predicted the non-clickable home button and the "jet black" option for last year's iPhone 7 range.

Red will bring the current iPhone line’s color options to six. Apple currently offers its most profitable product in rose gold, gold, silver and black, one with a matte finish and another with a glossy coat.

Mobile phone manufacturers recently started offering their products in aluminum and glass shells other than the traditional black, gold and silver hues.

Google is offering its HTC-built Pixel and Pixel XL phones with a bright “very blue” paint job.

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