In a fascinating glimpse into Apple's design process, a recent online leak has revealed that the tech giant nearly launched its revolutionary AirPods in vibrant shades of pink and yellow. This revelation comes almost nine years after the product's debut, showing a different path the iconic accessory could have taken.
The Colourful Prototypes That Never Were
According to details shared by the well-known leaker Koustami, Apple conducted internal design validation tests in 2016 with brightly coloured charging cases for the first-generation AirPods. The company experimented with a striking bright pink and a vivid yellow variant before ultimately abandoning these options at the last minute. This decision led to the all-white aesthetic that became globally synonymous with AirPods.
This is not the first insight into Apple's colour experiments for the wireless earbuds. Back in 2023, Koustami had previously disclosed that Apple had considered a broader palette including Pink, PRODUCT(RED), Purple, Black, and Blonde finishes. These were intended to match the colour options of the then-new iPhone 7 lineup. While earlier images showed paler pink prototypes, the newly revealed bright yellow case adds a fresh twist to the list of scrapped designs.
Why Did Apple Stick With White?
The decision to reject the colourful prototypes was strategic. Apple's primary goal was for the AirPods to complement the official colour palette of the iPhone 7, which at launch included silver, gold, rose gold, and black. The company had even planned a purple iPhone 7 model, which was itself cancelled before the official launch.
Ultimately, Apple chose a path of minimalist design, sticking with the clean white look that echoed its earlier iPod-era headphones. This choice, while forgoing more playful options, played a crucial role in cementing the AirPods' visual identity. The white case and earbuds became an instantly recognizable accessory worldwide. To this day, while third-party companies offer custom-painted versions, Apple has never officially launched AirPods in any colour other than white.
AirPods Pro 3: The Latest Evolution
Separately, Apple has recently launched the third generation of its premium AirPods Pro 3, marking a significant upgrade nearly five years after the product line's debut. The new earbuds introduce groundbreaking health and audio features.
The most talked-about addition is a new heart rate sensor. This uses a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, the smallest Apple has ever made, which shines invisible infrared light pulsed 256 times per second to measure blood flow. When combined with other sensors like accelerometers and GPS, it can track heart rate, calories burned, and support up to 50 workout types, with data visible in the iPhone's Fitness app.
Apple has also made substantial improvements to sound and fit. The company claims a redesigned internal airflow system widens the sound stage. New foam-infused ear tips are said to double the active noise cancellation compared to the previous generation, a difference Apple describes as "night-and-day." After analysing tens of thousands of ears, Apple made the earbuds smaller for a better fit, shipping them with five sizes of ear tips and an IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance.
From its secret colourful beginnings to its current status as a health and audio powerhouse, the journey of the AirPods continues to be a defining story in personal technology.
