TL;DR
A known Apple leaker shared photos of first‑generation AirPods prototypes finished in bright pink and yellow, described as 'iPhone 5c colored.' Apple ultimately released white AirPods, and the colorful variants shown did not reach the market.
What happened
This week, Apple leaker Kosutami published images of prototype AirPods finished in two vivid colors: pink and yellow. The items in the photos are described as first‑generation prototypes and have been labeled in coverage as “iPhone 5c colored,” a nod to Apple’s older colorful iPhone line. Kosutami previously revealed other unreleased Apple hardware and design experiments, including the AirPower charging mat, a reported black colorway for an Apple Vision headset, and prototype metal‑encased batteries. The report also recalls an earlier 2023 leak from the same source that said Apple tested AirPods colorways intended to match iPhone 7 hues (Pink, Product RED, Purple, Black and Blonde), with the purple option later canceled. In public releases, Apple has kept AirPods white (apart from the AirPods Max), and these colorful first‑gen prototypes were not part of the final product lineup.
Why it matters
- The images offer insight into Apple’s internal experimentation with color and finishes for accessories.
- They show how design options tested during development can differ from what reaches retail.
- Public leaks like this help document unreleased or canceled product variants and company design choices.
Key facts
- Images of prototype AirPods in bright pink and yellow were shared by leaker Kosutami.
- The prototypes are described as first‑generation AirPods finished in “iPhone 5c” style colors.
- Those colorful variants did not appear in Apple’s final retail AirPods lineup.
- Apple’s consumer AirPods have largely been sold in white, with AirPods Max as an exception.
- Kosutami previously shared images and details of other unreleased Apple hardware, including AirPower and prototype batteries.
- In 2023, the same leaker reported Apple tested AirPods colors to match iPhone 7: Pink, Product RED, Purple, Black, and Blonde.
- According to the source, the purple option tied to iPhone 7 testing was ultimately canceled.
- The original AirPods 1st generation were unveiled in fall 2016, nearly a decade before this report.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will revisit colorful finishes for future AirPods models — not confirmed in the source.
- If Kosutami or other leakers publish additional images or documentation about these prototypes — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the photographed prototypes were fully functional hardware or purely cosmetic mockups — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Prototype: An early sample or model used to test a concept or process before final production.
- AirPods: Apple’s line of wireless Bluetooth earphones and related models for personal audio.
- iPhone 5c: A past Apple iPhone model known for offering several bright, plastic‑colored finishes.
- Leaker: An individual who shares confidential or pre‑release information with the public, often via social media or blogs.
- AirPower: A previously announced but unreleased Apple wireless charging mat that has appeared in leak reports.
Reader FAQ
Are the colorful AirPods shown real Apple prototypes?
Kosutami shared the images and the report describes them as prototypes, but independent verification of authenticity is not provided in the source.
Will Apple sell colored AirPods like these?
Not confirmed in the source.
Who is Kosutami?
Identified in the source as an Apple leaker who has previously shared photos of unreleased Apple hardware.
When were the original AirPods first unveiled?
The source notes the first‑generation AirPods were unveiled in fall 2016.
Just unwrap new AirPods Pro? Here are the must-try features Chance Miller Dec 26 2025 AIRPODS Leaker shares new images of ‘iPhone 5c colored’ prototype AirPods Michael Burkhardt | Dec 27…
Sources
- Leaker shares new images of ‘iPhone 5c colored’ prototype AirPods
- Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors
- More original AirPods test colors revealed
- Prototypes on MacRumors
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