Apple Watch Series 12 May Bring Back Ceramic Case: Mark Gurman

Apple is reportedly preparing to reintroduce its high-end ceramic Apple Watch casing, a move that would bring one of the most sought after premium finishes back to the company’s wearable lineup. According to reporting from Bloomberg, the material, known for its scratch-resistant properties and distinct aesthetic, could return to the Apple Watch Series 12 or potentially launch as part of a future collection in 2027.

First introduced in September 2016 with the Series 2, the ceramic Edition model was marketed as four times harder than stainless steel. The material is crafted from a compressed mixture of zirconia and alumina powder, which is then polished using a diamond slurry to achieve its signature smooth, non-metallic finish.

The History of Ceramic in the Apple Watch Lineup

The ceramic case has a complex history within Apple’s hardware ecosystem. After its debut in 2016, which replaced the previous gold-cased Edition models and lowered the entry price for the premium tier to $1,249, Apple expanded the offering to include a gray ceramic option with the Series 3. However, the company discontinued the ceramic line entirely upon the release of the Series 4 in 2018. The finish made a brief comeback with the Series 5 in 2019, appearing alongside the introduction of the titanium case, before being removed from the lineup again in 2020 with the launch of the Series 6.

For many enthusiasts, the absence of the material has been notable. Digital Trends reports that the ceramic option is widely considered the most premium finish in the device’s history, striking a balance between luxury aesthetics and durability. Because it has been absent from the market for six years, the ceramic models have become highly sought after on the secondary resale market, often commanding interest from collectors who prefer the material’s unique feel over the standard aluminum or titanium options.

Performance Expectations for Series 12 and Ultra 4

Beyond the potential for a new case material, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to receive significant internal upgrades. After two generations featuring the S10 chip—which was largely similar to the S9 chip introduced in 2023—industry reports indicate that the new models will likely feature a more substantial performance boost. This shift is expected to provide the necessary hardware overhead to support new health and fitness-related features scheduled for the next generation of devices.

Alongside the performance increase, the upcoming lineup is expected to introduce new colorways and band options. While the ceramic case remains the most discussed potential addition, analysts suggest that even without a complete design overhaul, these materials and performance upgrades could serve as a primary marketing focus for the next generation of Apple’s wearable technology.

What Happens Next

The next major update for the Apple Watch lineup is expected to coincide with the release of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable smartphone. These products are anticipated to be announced at a hardware event next month. As Apple has not issued an official statement regarding the return of the ceramic material, consumers and collectors will likely have to wait for the formal product unveiling to confirm the final lineup specifications.

Readers interested in the latest developments can monitor the official Apple Newsroom for verified announcements regarding the next product cycle. Feel free to share your thoughts on the potential return of ceramic in the comments below.