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Apple’s iconic AirPods have become synonymous with sleek, minimalist design. With their pristine white color, they have maintained a consistent aesthetic throughout their iterations. However, a recent revelation by prototype collector “Kosutami” suggests that Apple once considered adding a splash of color to the AirPods’ charging case to match the iPhone 7.
According to Kosutami, Apple prototyped versions of the AirPods’ charging case in five different color options, aligning with the available hues of the iPhone 7. One of the prototypes, fittingly dubbed “Pink,” was intended to complement the Rose Gold iPhone 7, a popular choice among Apple enthusiasts.
Images shared on Twitter unveil the first-generation AirPods’ casing in a stunning pink colorway. Although the exterior boasts the same polished, glossy finish as the final white release version, the interior of the case and the AirPods earbuds themselves retain their signature white hue.
These intriguing prototypes date back to the period when Apple was actively developing the iPhone 7. Reportedly, the company experimented with AirPods prototypes in Black, Blonde, Pink, and Red, mirroring the color options of the iPhone 7.
While the iPhone 7 came in Jet Black, Black, Gold, Rose Gold, and (PRODUCT)RED variants, Apple’s choice of materials and finishes for the AirPods’ casing, made of polycarbonate instead of anodized aluminum, prompted them to adopt alternative names like “Blonde” and “Pink.”
Interestingly, Apple even ventured into uncharted territory by creating a purple AirPods prototype to align with a never-released purple version of the iPhone 7. Leaked images of a purple-cased iPhone 7 had sparked rumors about this particular color option in 2016, but it never materialized in the final product.
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It is worth noting that Apple abandoned the idea of colored AirPods at either the design validation testing (DVT) or production validation testing (PVT) stage. This suggests that the decision to stick with the classic white design was made relatively late in the development process. Kosutami, known for their insights into Apple prototypes, has previously shed light on devices like the “Magic Charger.”
The existence of these color prototypes has stirred excitement among Apple users who have long yearned for AirPods in alternative hues. While Apple’s intention may have been limited to offering color options solely for the charging case, it is intriguing to learn that the company went as far as prototyping five distinct colors to match the iPhone. Currently, the AirPods Max stands as the only variant to have been offered in different color options, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the possibility of a more colorful AirPods lineup in the future.