Apple AirPods might get some new colours: Here’s what we know so far

Apple AirPods

• Leaked images show early AirPods prototypes in pink and yellow
• Apple considered colorful AirPods but only released white versions
• No confirmation yet on future colored AirPods releases

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Apple’s wireless earbuds could finally move beyond their long-standing white-only look. Recently surfaced images of early AirPods prototypes in pink and yellow have reignited speculation that Apple may be reconsidering colour options for its most popular audio accessory.

Early AirPods prototypes reveal colourful experiments

Photos shared online by leaker Kosutami show what are said to be early prototypes of first-generation Apple AirPods finished in bright pink and yellow. These prototypes are believed to date back to Apple’s internal testing phase before the original AirPods launched in 2016. While Apple ultimately released the earbuds only in white, the newly surfaced images suggest the company explored more expressive designs during development.

Reports indicate these colour variants were not rough mock-ups but appeared close to production quality, hinting that Apple had seriously evaluated a more playful aesthetic for its earbuds.

Inspired by Apple’s earlier colour strategy

The leaked colours are said to align with the design direction Apple followed with products like the iPhone 5c, which focused on bold shades to appeal to younger users. This approach contrasts with Apple’s more restrained design language in recent years, especially for accessories.

In a separate leak from 2023, the same source claimed Apple had also tested AirPods in shades matching the iPhone 7 lineup, including pink, purple, black, and red. None of those options made it to retail shelves.

As of now, Apple continues to sell standard AirPods and AirPods Pro only in white. The sole exception in Apple’s audio lineup is AirPods Max, which launched with multiple colour choices and has since been updated with new finishes.

The resurfacing of colourful prototypes highlights a clear contrast between Apple’s internal experimentation and its final consumer offerings.

There is no confirmation that Apple plans to introduce coloured AirPods anytime soon. However, the renewed attention around these prototypes suggests Apple has long considered expanding the AirPods colour palette. Whether this leads to an actual product change remains uncertain, but the leaks offer a rare look into design paths Apple explored—and then shelved—before choosing a safer, uniform look for its bestselling earbuds.