Apple is reportedly planning to bring back its distinctive ceramic Apple Watch casing, with the premium material potentially returning to the lineup as soon as 2026.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the ceramic case option is expected to return either this year or in 2027. Apple previously offered ceramic Apple Watch models as part of its premium Apple Watch Edition lineup before discontinuing the material with the launch of Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020.
The possible return of ceramic would come alongside Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, which are reportedly set to continue Apple’s recent pattern of relatively modest external changes while receiving more meaningful internal improvements.
Image reference: Apple Watch Series 2 ceramic, showing the white ceramic case option.
Ceramic Apple Watch Could Return in 2026 or 2027
Gurman said Apple is planning to reintroduce ceramic as an Apple Watch case option either in 2026 or 2027.
Apple first introduced a ceramic Apple Watch Edition with Apple Watch Series 2 in September 2016.
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The ceramic model replaced the original gold Apple Watch Edition and reduced the entry price of Apple’s luxury smartwatch line from several thousand dollars to $1,249.
Apple Used Zirconia and Alumina for the Ceramic Case
Apple’s white ceramic finish was produced from compressed zirconia and alumina powder.
The material was polished using a diamond slurry to create its smooth and glossy finish.
Apple marketed the ceramic case as being four times as hard as stainless steel, giving the watch strong resistance to scratches while creating a visual appearance distinct from Apple’s metal case options.
Apple Expanded Ceramic With Series 3
One year after the white ceramic model debuted, Apple expanded the lineup with a gray ceramic option alongside Apple Watch Series 3.
However, the Apple Watch Edition lineup disappeared completely with Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018.
Apple dropped ceramic that year and did not offer another dedicated high-end case option with Series 4.
White Ceramic Returned With Apple Watch Series 5
Apple brought the white ceramic finish back with Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019.
That generation also introduced an all-new titanium case option, giving buyers multiple premium materials above the standard aluminum versions.
Ceramic disappeared again when Apple Watch Series 6 launched in 2020.
The material has now been absent from the Apple Watch lineup for six years and has become one of the more sought-after Apple Watch finishes among collectors on the resale market.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Expected to Focus on Internal Upgrades
Beyond the possible return of ceramic, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to continue what Gurman described as a trend of modest upgrades.
The new watches are reportedly set to receive under-the-hood improvements, including a meaningful increase in performance.
The performance improvement likely refers to the introduction of a new chip.
Apple Has Used the Same S10 Chip for Two Generations
The previous two Apple Watch generations have featured the same S10 chip.
The S10 itself is effectively unchanged from the S9 chip that Apple introduced in 2023.
A new processor in Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 could therefore represent a more notable internal upgrade after multiple generations with closely related silicon.
New Colors, Bands, Health, and Fitness Features Also Expected
Gurman added that Apple’s 2026 Apple Watch models are expected to offer new color options and new bands.
The watches are also expected to gain a number of new health- and fitness-related upgrades.
Specific details about those health and fitness additions were not provided in the report.
Apple Watch Series 12 Expected Alongside iPhone 18 Pro
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to be introduced next month.
The new watches are expected to debut alongside iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Apple has not officially announced the ceramic Apple Watch option, and the report says the ceramic case could return either in 2026 or in 2027.
