AirPods are a classic, but they've remained unchanged for years, too. Apple's extremely popular earbuds, since their introduction in 2016, have had just one color: white.
Except for the larger and more expensive AirPods Max, which are offered in several colors, Apple has pushed back against demands for more. But a fashion-forward corner of the web is clamoring for change—transparent AirPods.
Transparent AirPods: A Dream Yet to Be Realized
Envision a set of AirPods Pro 2 with see-through casings that allow you to look inside the tech. That's what the newest leaked prototype indicates. Photos of a rumored EVT (Engineering Validation Test) version of a clear AirPods charging case recently circulated on X, courtesy of leaker @LusiRoy8. And yes, they're downright gorgeous.
Airpods prototype EVT pic.twitter.com/0ablYT0MV4
— pipfix (@LusiRoy8) April 10, 2025
From the drooling face emoji to heart eyes in the responses, Apple fans are all in on the clear-through look. Unfortunately, these stunning transparent AirPods aren't a reality outside the lab yet.
Beats Already Gave Justice to Transparent Earbuds
The exasperation is legitimate. Apple subsidiary Beats already shows the world how cool transparent technology can be. The Beats Studio Buds+ have a sleek "Transparent" color option, and the latest Beats Solo Buds even have a "Transparent Red" option. If Beats can pull it off, why not AirPods?
It's not that Apple doesn't have the design credentials. Several years back, a concept AirPods earbud popped up with a semi-translucent dark blue case that had people throwing their wallets at the screen in frustration. And here we are, years down the line, and still getting by on white.
Aesthetic Meets Nostalgia
Transparent tech isn't just trendy—it's nostalgic. According to 9to5Mac's Zac Hall, it reminds many of the clear-cased gadgets from the '90s and early 2000s. Think Game Boy Color, old-school iMacs, and even the original iPods. A return to that see-through style could strike a perfect balance between modern minimalism and retro vibes.
One Fan's Note to Apple—and Their Dog
In a humorous turn of events, one user humorously suggested Apple coat AirPods with the same bittering agent used on Nintendo Switch cartridges: to prevent their dog from chewing on them while napping. Perhaps Nova, their inquisitive dog, simply wants to know what's inside the shiny white casing like the rest of us.
Should Apple Make Transparent AirPods?
The market is there. Social media is abuzz. And Beats has shown us that people adore color and transparency. It's Apple's turn to give us clear AirPods—or a few colors that are more than sterile white. In the meantime, we'll be side eyeing those crystal-clear Beats with envy.
