Apple Prototyped AirPods in Five Different Color Options to Match iPhone 7

[MacRumors]

Apple prototyped versions of the AirPods' charging case in five different color options to match the iPhone 7, according to the prototype collector known as "Kosutami."

The first-generation AirPods in "Pink," intended to match the Rose Gold iPhone 7.​

Images shared with MacRumors and posted on Twitter earlier today show a first-generation AirPods casing in a pink colorway. It continues to have a polished, glossy finish like the final release version in white. The inside of the casing, as well as the AirPods earbuds themselves, continue to be white.

The prototypes date back to the period in which Apple was developing the iPhone 7. The company apparently developed AirPods prototypes in Black, Blonde, Pink, and Red to match the iPhone 7's color options, MacRumors was told. The iPhone 7 was available in Jet Black, Black, Gold, Rose Gold, and (PRODUCT)RED. Since the AirPods' casing is made of polycarbonate rather than anodized aluminum like the iPhone, Apple seems to have switched to names like "Blonde" and "Pink," instead of "Gold" and "Rose Gold," to denote the different materials and finishes.

Apple also apparently developed a purple AirPods prototype to match an unreleased version of the iPhone 7 in purple. Purple was one of the color options rumored for the iPhone 7 around 2016, with a range of leaked images showing a purple casing for the device first appearing in May of that year.

Apple is said to have only canceled the AirPods color options at the design validation testing (DVT) or production validation testing (PVT) stage, suggesting that the decision was made at a fairly late stage. Kosutami has previously provided insights about Apple prototypes such as the "Magic Charger" in the past.

Some users have sought after AirPods in different color options for several years. While Apple was seemingly only ever considering offering the charging case in different color ways, it is interesting to know that the company got as far as prototyping five distinct color options for the device to match the iPhone. Today, the AirPods Max are the only AirPods to have been offered in different color options.

Article Link: Apple Prototyped AirPods in Five Different Color Options to Match iPhone 7

 

[daanodinot]

I get why they don't do it. One look is by far the best for branding. Although, maybe they're so famous now, that they might as well do it.

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

I’m sure has Apple has prototyped everything imaginable.

 

[winxmac]

A Jet Black [shiny as a piano black key] version should have been released by Apple back then...

 

[Deedlez]

"colorway" makes me cringe. It's just a COLOUR (or "color" for left-pondies)

 

[AirunJae]

Ah, what could have been 😢

 

[windywalks]

The one pictured looks like a 💩 Not a very flattering color option.
I think they didn't make a black version only because a piano black finish on anything else than metal and glass would show scratches more easily than any other color.

 

[contacos]

Being only available in white is all about branding. You can easily spot them in the wild so you want them too. Just look how many cheap brands conveniently come up with the same shape and color

 

[Motawa]

okay and how exactly can a different color not pass the prototype phase?

 

[xpxp2002]

The one pictured looks like a 💩 Not a very flattering color option.
I think they didn't make a black version only because a piano black finish on anything else than metal and glass would show scratches more easily than any other color.

Agreed. I couldn’t even tell those weren’t just white in bad lighting until I stared at the picture for a while.

 

[jonblatho]

"colorway" makes me cringe. It's just a COLOUR (or "color" for left-pondies)

Colorway specifically distinguishes the notion of color options for a given product from, well, colors themselves. It’s okay to have multiple words applicable to the same concept, especially when those words add specificity.

okay and how exactly can a different color not pass the prototype phase?

It’s not necessarily a matter of “not passing.” It could be as simple as changing their minds and not wanting to go forward (this can extend to the product itself, not just a colorway). But…different colorways can require production tweaks that increase cost or lead to quality/consistency issues. Colorways (and other added SKUs) themselves can also increase cost by limiting economies of scale — it may well be significantly cheaper for Apple to produce 15 million white AirPods cases compared to ordering 5 million white, 3 million black, 1 million blonde…let alone having to retool for the new lineup every year.

 

[JapanApple]

Doesn't look right to be a concept rendition

 

[sunapple]

I’m sure has Apple has prototyped everything imaginable.

They are probably using Magic Mouse prototypes with front charging port in their offices, but as a joke they didn’t release them to the public.

 

[randyhudson]

When they realized that making them all the same color would increase the chance of losing them by 2%, they decided to make them all white.

 

[kerr]

Ridiculous that after more than 6 years the AirPods are still only available in one color. No black after 3 years, no red after 6 years. Nothing. It’s like Apple don’t want more sales.

 

[cthompson94]

Probably a good thing they didn't go this route. Although I know it is probably something that people wanted (not sure how many, but I am sure there was a market for different colors), Apple avoiding having to create a color identical to the phone (which the phones being glass would always look just a little different) and basically guess what would be popular colors probably saves a lot of money in the long run. People also change up their phone colors sometimes yearly and probably wouldn't do the same with airpods and it is much easier to just slap a new color case on your airpods

 

[cicalinarrot]

They tried that skin-tone pink but then they decided it already looked enough like hearing aids in white.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Agreed. I couldn’t even tell those weren’t just white in bad lighting until I stared at the picture for a while.

I’m still not sure. Guess we’ll just take their word for it. Guy needs a ring light or something if he’s gonna be leaking pictures.

 

[Wiesenlooser]

I get why they don't do it. One look is by far the best for branding. Although, maybe they're so famous now, that they might as well do it.

It's also very hard to estimate supply and demand for each colour

 

[daanodinot]

It's also very hard to estimate supply and demand for each colour

Same for anything with colors right?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Apple really needs to develop new AirPods with different colors.

 

[EmotionalSnow]

Ridiculous that after more than 6 years the AirPods are still only available in one color. No black after 3 years, no red after 6 years. Nothing. It’s like Apple don’t want more sales.

No, it would be ridiculous to assume Apple hasn't run the numbers and then concluded that it just isn't worth it. They love money after all, so it must have just not proven worth it for them to produce the AirPods in multiple colorways.

 

[JUMA55]

This tan color is the same as the john in our bathroom, which looked fair in 1981, not so good now. Every time I opened these I'd feel like I was fishing in the bowl.

 

[SB1500]

I for one am happy with Apple sticking to white for its accessories. It’s iconic and it’s something they pioneered. If you’re looking for flashy fad colours, textures and designs, there is a world of third party makers (both high quality and low) who can fill that void for you.

 

[CausticSoda]

Very briefly I wondered if it is April 1st.