I wish these translucent AirPods weren’t just prototypes

There’s an alternate universe out there where Apple (still) makes translucent gadgets, and I want to live in it.

Giulio Zompetti, a developer who also happens to collect rare Apple devices, recently got his hands on what are reportedly partially-transparent Apple prototypes. Behold, the translucent AirPods:

#AirPods, translucent prototype earbuds pic.twitter.com/zE4dt47H0J

— Giulio Zompetti (@1nsane_dev) November 30, 2021

Oooh, ahhh.

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Of course, if you want transparent headphones that are actually meant to be transparent, Nothing has you covered. But it’s nice to imagine a universe where this is an option Apple provides too.

Heck, even Apple’s transparent 29W USB-C brick looks amazing:

29W Apple Charger prototype. pic.twitter.com/h2ZoHCMw0F

— Giulio Zompetti (@1nsane_dev) November 23, 2021

Granted, the interior looks a little sloppier than Apple would probably like on a finished transparent product, but it still looks awesome. Nothing has previously talked about the difficulties of designing transparent gadgets that actually look good, but I’m sure Apple could manage it if, you know, it tried.

For the youngins reading this, it’s not like this translucent thing would even be novel for Apple; let’s not forget the iconic original iMac (now known as the iMac G3), which came in semi-transparent finishes in all the colors of the rainbow.

I can’t help but think Apple is missing out on some serious nerd fan service by not running with more transparent designs.

It’s not even like every product needs to be transparent; Apple could offer a limited edition transparent model and people would eat it up. I bet it would especially appeal to the nerds happy about the ports in the new MacBook Pro. And considering Apple’s wonderful new stance on repairability. Granted, it’s yet to be seen how much Apple delivers on its promise, but how cool would it be if you could actually see inside a product before opening it up?

In the meantime, I’m still hoping this aesthetic will make a big return someday. They say fashion is cyclical, and if we get lucky, maybe that applies to tech too.

Via The Verge