No, Apple hasn’t announced black AirPods earbuds; current in-ear models ship in white, while over-ear and Beats lines offer dark finishes.
Shoppers keep asking whether a dark pair is on the way. Here’s the short version: the in-ear lineup that most people mean by “AirPods” still comes only in white across the current generations, while the over-ear model offers several colors and the Beats family (also from Apple) ships in multiple dark shades. Below you’ll find the full picture, with model-by-model notes, realistic timelines, and safe ways to get a darker look today.
Current Lineup At A Glance
To set the stage, here’s how Apple’s headphones lineup breaks down right now. This table is the fast way to see which models come in dark finishes and which don’t.
| Model | Finish/Colors | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 (both versions) | White | Latest in-ear base models; case uses USB-C; no dark color option. |
| AirPods Pro 3 | White | Flagship in-ear set; white only, silicone tips; USB-C case. |
| AirPods Max | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange | Over-ear design; several darker tones; not true black but close with Midnight. |
| Beats Wireless Earbuds (Fit/Studio Buds+ etc.) | Multiple, often including Black/Jet Black | Apple’s sport-leaning line; frequent black options out of the box. |
What Apple’s Pages Tell Us Right Now
Apple’s comparison and buy pages list the in-ear models in white, while the over-ear variant offers multiple colors including a dark “Midnight.” You can verify finishes on Apple’s own pages: see the AirPods compare page for the current in-ear entries labeled as white, and the AirPods Max buy page for its color chips, including Midnight and other hues. Linking here helps you check the listings yourself as they update:
These pages are the best “official word” on colors at any given moment, since they reflect what Apple is willing to sell today.
Why In-Ear AirPods Stay White
The white finish is part of the product’s identity. It matches the brand’s visual cues, shows instantly in press shots, and keeps the line consistent across generations. The earbud surface also takes a lot of skin oils and pocket wear; glossy white hides micro-marks and yellowing better than many darker paints on small, smooth shells. That practical angle means the white shell continues to make sense in daily use.
Will There Be A Black AirPods Release? Timing Clues
Color changes for this family tend to land alongside full model refreshes, not mid-cycle tweaks. Even when Apple added USB-C charging to the case on a previous generation, the finish stayed the same. If a dark in-ear version ever appears, the best time to watch would be a headline product event that already includes a major AirPods update. Until Apple lists a new finish on those buy/compare pages, anything else is just buzz.
Good Dark Alternatives From Apple
Want an official dark option without waiting? Two clean routes exist inside Apple’s ecosystem:
Pick The Over-Ear Model
The over-ear entry comes in several tones, including a deep Midnight that satisfies most “all-black” setups while giving you pro-level noise canceling and wired USB-C audio for lossless playback on supported sources. It’s not a tiny case-in-pocket product like the in-ear sets, but the color choices are there.
Choose Beats For Built-In Black
Beats lives under Apple and often ships earbuds and headphones in black or jet black. If you need a dark look with an in-ear or on-ear form factor, this line is the shortest path. You’ll still get tight pairing on iPhone, Find My support on many models, and workout-friendly seals. Check Apple’s Beats listings to see the current models and black variants: Beats in black.
Why People Want A Dark Earbud
Some users prefer a stealthy look that blends with dark hair or a black wardrobe. Others find that darker shells show less lint from pockets and bags. A matte dark finish can also cut down the visual pop during video calls or gym sessions. Those are fair preferences, and they explain the constant interest in a dark in-ear option that matches the classic AirPods shape.
Third-Party Paint And Skins: Pros And Risks
Plenty of shops offer coatings or wraps that can turn a white pair into a dark one. Skins are less risky because they don’t enter the case or touch the speaker mesh, but even a thin wrap can interfere with the charge cradle or lid close if it adds thickness in the wrong spots. Paint jobs can look slick, yet sprayed parts may chip at edges, and a coating near microphones or vents can affect noise control. Most of these services are not sanctioned by Apple, and many void the hardware warranty on the parts you modify. If you go this route, pick a reversible option and test fit with a minimal piece before committing.
What Apple Usually Changes Versus What Stays Put
Across generations, performance features evolve quickly: noise control, spatial audio tricks, live translation on supported combos, and case charging options. The shell color on in-ear models has stayed constant. That doesn’t mean it will never change; it just means the pattern so far favors white earbuds with evolving internals. Watching those official product pages is the simplest way to catch a genuine shift the day it happens.
Color Myths To Skip
“Midnight Means Black Earbuds Are Next”
Midnight is a deep tone on the over-ear model, not a hint at in-ear finishes. Apple often reuses names across product families, and the same name can point to very different materials and looks.
“Rumor Shots Prove A New Finish”
Prototype shells and case molds show up from time to time online. Without Apple packaging or a live listing on an official page, those images don’t guarantee anything. Treat them as curiosities, not commitments.
How To Get A Dark Look Today Without Regret
If you want a black-leaning setup right now, you have solid options that don’t involve risk to your earbuds or your wallet. The list below lines up choices for different use cases, with quick pros and caveats so you can pick confidently.
| Option | What You Get | Warranty/Safety Note |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Max in Midnight | Dark over-ear finish, top-tier ANC, USB-C audio | Full Apple warranty; larger form factor vs. earbuds |
| Beats earbuds in Black | In-ear fit with dark color out of the box | Apple ecosystem perks on many models; check feature list |
| Third-party skins (peel-off) | Reversible dark look on the case and stalks | May affect case fit; remove before service |
Care Tips For Dark Gear
Dark coatings and fabrics can show salt streaks from workouts and fingerprints from daily handling. Keep a microfiber cloth in your bag. For cases, a quick wipe with a lightly dampened cloth clears smudges; dry right away. Avoid sprays or solvents near speaker mesh and microphones. On over-ear cushions, let them air out after exercise, and rotate pads if you notice uneven wear. These habits keep darker gear looking clean longer.
What To Watch During New Product Seasons
When Apple hosts a major fall or spring event that already features headphone news, color shifts are more likely than a random mid-month update. If you’re holding out for a dark in-ear pair, the smartest approach is to check those buy and compare pages after each keynote. If they flip from “White” to a list that includes a dark tone, you’ll see it there first, complete with order buttons.
Buying Advice: Wait Or Buy?
If color is non-negotiable, step into Beats or the over-ear model now and enjoy your audio. If you’re flexible on color and want the smallest case and stems, grab the current white in-ear model that fits your budget and needs. You’ll get modern features, tight iPhone pairing, and a case that’s easy to find in a bag. If a dark in-ear option ever appears later, you can resell and switch—white models hold resale value well thanks to demand and wide compatibility.
Bottom Line On Black Earbuds From Apple
Apple hasn’t listed a black in-ear AirPods finish on its product pages. The over-ear set and the Beats family fill the dark-color gap today, and both live under Apple’s umbrella. If a dark in-ear finish arrives, it will show up on those official listings the same day. Until then, choose between dark over-ears, Beats in black, a reversible skin for the case, or the classic white buds that the line is known for.