Apple New AirPods Design Leak has sparked major excitement after new images surfaced claiming to show a previously unseen AirPods design inspired by the colorful iPhone 5c era. According to the leak, Apple once seriously considered launching AirPods in bold colors but ultimately decided to abandon the idea.
Leaked Images From Apple’s Secret Archives
The leak comes from Kosutami, one of the most well-known and closely followed Apple leakers. Kosutami shared images that allegedly come from Apple’s internal archives, revealing prototype AirPods designed in bright and playful colors.
These newly surfaced visuals suggest that Apple experimented with far more expressive designs than what we eventually saw on store shelves. While Apple is famous for its minimalist look, these prototypes show the company nearly breaking away from its long-standing design tradition.
iPhone 5c-Inspired AirPods Colors
Among the leaked prototypes, bright pink and yellow versions immediately stand out. The color palette strongly resembles Apple’s 2013 iPhone 5c lineup, which became known for its plastic body and vibrant color options.
At the time, the iPhone 5c represented a bold move by Apple to attract a younger audience. The leaked AirPods designs appear to follow the same philosophy—fun, colorful, and eye-catching.
Apple’s Previous Color Experiments
This is not the first time Apple has tested alternative color options behind the scenes. Another leak shared in 2023 revealed that Apple experimented with purple, Product RED, and black color variants for the iPhone 7 lineup. However, as history shows, the purple iPhone 7 never made it to market.
These repeated leaks suggest that Apple often explores colorful options internally but ultimately chooses to stay conservative when it comes to final consumer products.
Why AirPods Remained White for Nearly a Decade
Since their debut in the fall of 2016, AirPods have remained almost exclusively white—except for the AirPods Max. For nearly ten years, Apple has refused to move away from this design choice.
The white color has become a signature element of Apple’s brand identity. Instantly recognizable, it helps AirPods stand out in public and reinforces Apple’s minimalist image. Still, the leaked prototypes prove that Apple came surprisingly close to changing this rule.
Kosutami’s History of Accurate Apple Leaks
Kosutami is no stranger to revealing canceled Apple projects. In the past, the leaker has shared details about several products that never reached consumers, including:
- The never-released AirPower wireless charging mat
- A rumored black color option for Apple Vision
- Metal-cased battery prototypes designed for iPhones
These past leaks add credibility to the latest AirPods design revelation.
Will Apple Ever Release Colorful AirPods?
For now, Apple has made no official statement regarding these leaked designs. While the company continues to prioritize a clean and uniform aesthetic, the existence of these prototypes suggests that colorful AirPods are not entirely off the table.
Whether Apple will revisit this idea in the future remains uncertain—but fans are clearly intrigued.
