It is not uncommon for you to recognize an Apple user at first glance, without them even having to take their iPhone out of their pocket. Namely on the striking white AirPods, which have already become the unmistakable trademark of the Apple Group. However, not only the AirPods are white, this very special color also plays an important role in Apple’s design language. But how exactly did this come about?
Apple founder Steve Jobs was always considered a perfectionist. He attached particular importance to the functionality and simplicity of hardware and software, which must be perfectly coordinated. However, the design language was at least as important to him. All Apple products should also differ fundamentally from the typical mainstream here. A vivid example of this was the new design of the iMac, which was completely different from any other home computer on the market at the time. Incidentally, the story behind this is impressively explained in the 2013 film “Jobs” starring Ashton Kutcher. Details are also important, which is why AirPods, for example, are not available in other colors.
Unmistakable trademark
Before the iPhone became a constant companion for many Apple fans, the iPod came onto the market in 2001. This (also white) music player had an unmistakable design at the time and accompanied its owner in the jacket pocket when jogging, among other things. However, the Apple developers had a problem with this: how do you recognize someone on the street who is using this cool and distinctive player? On the headphones, of course, and these were usually black with the competition at the time. So the color is a simple and at the same time perfect approach to distinguish yourself from all other manufacturers. EarPods or AirPods in other colors were not and are not absolutely necessary for differentiation.
Color to replace Apple logo
In the office or on the desk at home, you can immediately recognize a Mac by the typical Apple logo. This still applies today, for example on the large displays or the back of Macbooks. With the iPod, the invisible Apple logo became the cool and stylish white earpods. And Apple still sticks to their “exclusive” design with its wireless AirPods. This is even true, although manufacturers from China in particular are now trying to copy Apple’s unique design language to date. Apparently, it has not harmed the Cupertino group so far.
AirPods Max come in other colors
With the AirPods Max, however, Apple said goodbye to this strategy for the first time. The “big” headphones deliver an even more impressive sound experience and come in five different color combinations. Visually, they are somewhat reminiscent of the iMac’s design, which was also striking and unique at the time. The fact that Apple has now decided to rethink this and also offers AirPods with other color combinations seems strategically nonsensical at first glance if you look at the previous justification. But it is obvious that Apple no longer has a unique selling point with the white design.
Design language over quality and workmanship
Even more clearly than before, Apple has placed quality and workmanship as a distinguishing feature at the center of its design language. This becomes particularly obvious with the AirPods Max when you take a closer look at the high-quality ear pads or controls with the Digital Crown and the stainless steel frame. Thus, the headphones remain unmistakable, even if you use different colors with AirPods Max and no longer just classic white elements like the wireless Bluetooth AirPods. Incidentally, the trend towards new color combinations is not a flash in the pan at Apple, because the HomePod Minis are also available in different color combinations.
Always changing
The white AirPods were ahead of their time in terms of design language. But Apple also wants to be unmistakable and set trends in the future. That’s why there will always be innovations and adjustments in the design, which of course applies in particular to the colors. However, it seems unlikely that Apple will say goodbye to white AirPods very quickly. This design has impressed users far too much. Especially since this white design is considered timeless. It’s just a color that can be integrated anywhere, regardless of trends. One thing is already clear: Apple will continue to strive for the best possible synthesis of design and functionality in the future.