The tale of Apple’s first generation AirPods includes a near miss in the design studio. In 2016, the plan was to roll out a limited run of AirPods in colors other than the familiar white, a move aimed at giving the iconic wireless headphones a broader visual identity. An insider who trades in rumors and catalogues, known online as Kosutami, shared a photo of a prototype painted in a custom hue. The project was described as being well through development and on track to become a colorful companion to the iPhone. The idea was not merely cosmetic; it was about harmonizing the accessory with the phone’s aesthetic family, particularly with color options available for the iPhone lineup.
According to Kosutami, Apple explored pink, red, purple, and black as options in addition to white. The underlying rationale was straightforward: color coordination with the iPhone 7 case and various iPhone finishes. This approach suggested a deliberate attempt to create a cohesive look across the user’s devices, making the AirPods a visible extension of the user’s overall device ecosystem. The prototype images and development notes circulated among enthusiasts and collectors, signaling that the concept had reached a late stage in testing and refinement.
Yet, at the final crossroads, the company chose to abandon the multi color strategy in favor of the pure white design that has since become standard. The decision was described by insiders as abrupt, without a public explanation for the shift away from color diversity. In the wake of that decision, most of the color options faded from consideration, and production shifted to the single, white finish that became a hallmark of AirPods. Some observers offered theories about manufacturing constraints, consumer psychology, or branding consistency, but concrete details remained undisclosed.
Today’s AirPods remain available only in white. A niche market exists for those who want color or finish customization, with some artisans offering painting services for the headphones and their carrying cases. These services come at a premium, reflecting the hands-on nature of the work and the limited scope of the modification. The conversation about color variants has lingered in collector circles, with enthusiasts revisiting what might have been and contemplating how color can influence perception and ownership experience.
In an adjacent development, Kosutami noted early in May that Apple showed interest in introducing a gold colored MagSafe charger. While that particular accessory design did surface in discussions and prompts, it has not been finalized for release. The chatter underscores the ongoing curiosity about Apple’s accessory ecosystem and how new finishes or finishes might align with the broader lineup. The mix of near motherhood to a finished product and the cautious silence around final decisions continues to feed speculation among fans and industry watchers alike. The broader takeaway remains that color and finish choices can shape the perceived value and desirability of a flagship accessory, even when the core function remains unchanged.