Apple is poised to revive one of its most distinctive and sought-after Apple Watch materials with the upcoming Series 12. According to recent reports from reputable sources, the ceramic case option (last available in 2019) could return as a premium choice this fall.
On August 19, 2026, the leaker and prototype collector known as Kosutami posted on X: “Hell yeah, Ceramic Watch is back. We’ll see it at Series 12.” This brief but enthusiastic claim has gained traction across Apple-focused outlets, reinforcing earlier reporting.
Hell yeah, Ceramic Watch is back. We'll see it at Series 12.
— Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) August 19, 2026
Just days earlier, Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman noted in his Power On newsletter that Apple was planning a ceramic case option for either the current year or 2027. Kosutami’s post points toward a 2026 arrival with the Series 12, expected to debut at Apple’s September event alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 4, iPhone 18 Pro models, and the company’s first foldable iPhone.
A Brief History of Ceramic on Apple Watch
Apple first introduced a white ceramic case with the Apple Watch Series 2 Edition in September 2016. It replaced the ultra-expensive solid-gold Edition models and dropped the starting price to a still-premium $1,249. The material, created from compressed zirconia and alumina powder and polished with a diamond slurry, was marketed as four times harder than stainless steel, offering exceptional scratch resistance and a glossy, lustrous finish.
A gray ceramic option arrived with the Series 3. Ceramic disappeared for the Series 4 in 2018, returned in white for the Series 5 Edition in 2019 (alongside the new titanium option), and was discontinued again with the Series 6 in 2020. It has been absent from the lineup for six years, becoming a collector favorite on the secondary market.
Past ceramic models were heavier than aluminum or titanium versions (comparable in weight to stainless steel) and commanded significant premiums. The Series 5 ceramic started around $1,299, well above aluminum and even stainless steel or titanium options of the era.
The ceramic finish stands out for its non-metallic appearance, smooth feel, and superior resistance to scratches and tarnishing compared with aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. Fans and collectors have long requested its comeback, praising both aesthetics and durability.
Details remain limited. It is unclear whether Apple will offer only the classic white finish or expand to additional colors (such as the gray that’s appeared previously). Pricing is also unknown, though it is widely expected to sit above current titanium models as a high-end option. The discontinued “Edition” branding is unlikely to return, but a clear premium positioning is anticipated.
Broader Series 12 Expectations
Beyond the potential ceramic case, the Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to deliver modest rather than revolutionary upgrades. Reports point to a new chip for improved performance (after several years of relatively similar silicon), new color and band options, and incremental health and fitness features. No major redesign is anticipated; the case design introduced with the Series 10 is likely to continue for a third year. The Ultra 4 is expected to follow a similar pattern of under-the-hood improvements.
Apple has not confirmed any of these details. As with all unreleased products, plans can change. However, the alignment between Gurman’s earlier reporting and Kosutami’s more specific claim has raised confidence that ceramic could indeed make a high-profile return in September 2026.
MacDailyNews Take: For many longtime Apple Watch enthusiasts, such as ourselves, the glossy, scratch-resistant ceramic case represents a unique blend of luxury and practicality that the current aluminum-and-titanium lineup does not fully match. If the rumors hold, Series 12 could finally deliver the material for which fans have been waiting!
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