Apple may be preparing to bring back one of its most distinctive and sought-after Apple Watch materials after a multi-year absence. According to a recent report from Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman, the company is plotting the return of a ceramic case option either this year or in 2027 — raising the prospect that a ceramic Apple Watch could appear alongside the expected Series 12 and Ultra 4 updates this fall.
The ceramic finish last appeared on the Apple Watch Edition Series 5 in 2019. It was discontinued with the Series 6 in 2020 and has been missing from the lineup ever since, turning remaining units into collector’s items on the resale market. Apple first introduced white ceramic with the Series 2 in 2016 as a more accessible high-end alternative to the earlier solid-gold Edition models. A gray (sometimes described as black) variant followed with the Series 3 before the material was dropped for the Series 4 and briefly revived in white for the Series 5.
Ceramic cases were made from a compressed powder of zirconia and alumina, then polished with a diamond slurry. Apple marketed the material as four times harder than stainless steel, delivering excellent scratch resistance, a rich deep-gloss appearance, and a smooth, non-metallic feel that stood apart from aluminum or titanium. The result was a premium, almost lacquered look that appealed to buyers seeking something between a sporty smartwatch and a more luxurious timepiece.
Today’s Apple Watch lineup centers on aluminum (starting around the entry-level price) and titanium (a step up, with the Ultra remaining titanium-only). A returning ceramic option would likely sit at an even higher premium tier: historically, the Series 5 ceramic Edition commanded prices well above stainless steel or titanium models of the era (around $1,299–$1,349 when the base Series 5 started at $399). Analysts and reports expect any new ceramic model to follow a similar high-end positioning.
For the fall 2026 refresh, expectations for the Series 12 and Ultra 4 remain relatively modest overall: a meaningful performance increase via a new chip (after multiple generations relying on largely similar silicon), new color and band options, and incremental health and fitness upgrades. No major redesign is anticipated, meaning the familiar case shape introduced with the Series 10 would continue. The ceramic case is framed as a style addition rather than a full product overhaul, and Gurman has indicated the timing could slip to 2027.
Broader context from the same reporting points to Apple exploring longer-term changes to its wearable lineup—potentially including additional premium tiers, more affordable options, different screen sizes or shapes, and even screenless trackers, but those remain further out and uncommitted. A ceramic revival this fall would represent a relatively low-risk way to expand material choices and recapture interest among enthusiasts who missed the distinctive glossy finish.
Of course, nothing is confirmed until Apple announces its plans; typically expected in September alongside new iPhones. Gurman’s track record on Apple Watch details is strong, yet timelines for specialized materials can shift. If ceramic does return in 2026, it would mark roughly seven years since the last offering and give the upcoming models a standout aesthetic differentiator in an otherwise evolutionary update cycle. Collectors, style-focused buyers, and fans of the original ceramic Editions will be watching closely.
MacDailyNews Take: Bring back ceramic, Apple!
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