Earlier this week, Apple leaker Kosutami shared new images of prototype AirPods in two very bright colors: pink and yellow. These ultimately didn’t make it to release, but they’re cool to see nonetheless.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that Apple experimented with fun colors for AirPods. In 2023, the same leaker shared that Apple was testing AirPods colors that would match the iPhone 7. They would’ve been available in Pink, Product RED, Purple, Black, and Blonde. Purple on the iPhone 7 ultimately ended up being cancelled.
These new 1st generation AirPods colors are being referred to as “iPhone 5c colored,” and I have to say, I do really dig the look. As we all know though, Apple ended up only releasing white AirPods, and it remains the same way nearly a decade later – with the exception of AirPods Max. The even crazier fact is that it’s been nearly 10 years since the original fall 2016 unveiling of AirPods 1st gen.
Christmas post 🎄 Abandoned iPhone 5c colored AirPods 1st gen prototype. #appleinternal pic.twitter.com/Y2wzZTxgLC — Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) December 24, 2025
All in all, this serves as another fun look at yet another unreleased Apple product. In the past, Kosutami has shared photos of the unreleased AirPower charging mat, a (potentially cancelled) black colorway for an upcoming Apple Vision headset, and prototype metal-encased batteries for iPhones.
Would you buy colorful AirPods if they came to market? Let us know in the comments.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
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