Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to bring back the ceramic version
According to leaker Kosutami, Apple plans to revive the ceramic case for this year’s Apple Watch Series 12. In a new post on X, Kosutami stated that the case will return with the Series 12. Apple first introduced a ceramic Apple Watch Edition in September 2016 with the Series 2, which replaced the original Gold Edition model and lowered the price of the product line from thousands of dollars to a comparatively affordable $1,249 / €1,449 by Apple standards.
The white ceramic surface, made from compressed zirconia and aluminum oxide powder and polished with a diamond suspension, was advertised as four times harder than stainless steel. A year later, Apple expanded the material to include a gray ceramic option for the Series 3. However, the Edition line disappeared completely in 2018 with the Series 4; Apple abandoned ceramic and did not offer any high-end cases that year.
Apple Watch Series 12: First ceramic version in 6 years
The white ceramic finish returned in 2019 with the Series 5, along with a new titanium option, before Apple discontinued it for good with the release of the Series 6 in 2020. The material hasn’t been featured in the Apple Watch lineup for six years since then. It has since become one of the most sought-after finishes on the pre-owned market.
Earlier this month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that either the Apple Watch Series 12 this year or the Watch Series 13 in 2027 would bring back the ceramic case. Kosutami’s post is the next indication that the version is indeed coming this year.
The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to feature a new chip for improved performance, along with several other minor enhancements. The device is expected to be unveiled next month alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone Ultra.
