A never-before-seen prototype of the first generation of Apple’s wireless headphone series, AirPods, has surfaced. It’s been reported that this prototype was a test device used during the PROTO3 phase of the product’s development.

AirPods with a transparent cover appear

The most striking feature of the revealed prototype is the transparent charging case cover. The transparent top was used to allow engineers to observe the components inside during dust and moisture tests. The back of the case features production codes and markings indicating the testing phase.

The source who shared the information stated that this prototype accepts serial inputs but produces no output. This suggests the device was designed solely for engineering testing. Apple is known to test products with different hardware configurations before mass production, but this prototype hasn’t been publicly released before.

The images of this first prototype of AirPods, which quickly became one of Apple’s best-selling accessories since their release in 2016, provide a valuable insight into Apple’s product development process.

Transparent design is an approach Apple doesn’t typically employ in its products. However, this prototype demonstrates the radical testing the company undertakes in its internal engineering processes and the numerous trials it undergoes before reaching the final product.

This prototype also serves as a testament to Apple’s meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of perfection in its products. It reveals the hundreds of such tests and trials that lie behind the final product offered to customers.