Apple is rumored to bring back a ceramic casing option with its upcoming Apple Watch Series 12, breathing new life into a material finish largely shelved since 2020. A leaker and prototype enthusiast known as Kosutami recently claimed in a post that the Series 12 will reintroduce ceramic Apple Watch cases. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/))
Past Ceramic Editions: White & Gray Finishes
The ceramic casing first appeared in the Apple Watch Edition lineup with Series 2 in September 2016. It replaced the original gold Edition and cost $1,249, notably reducing the lineup’s price ceiling. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/))
Apple offered a white ceramic finish originally, advertised as a combination of compressed zirconia and alumina powder polished using diamond slurry. That material was pitched as being approximately four times harder than stainless steel. With Series 3 in 2017, Apple added a gray ceramic alternative. But by Series 4 in 2018, ceramic finishes were dropped entirely from the Edition line. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/))
The white ceramic finish made a comeback in 2019 with Series 5, this time alongside a fresh titanium casing option, but that too was discontinued when Series 6 arrived in 2020. Since then, ceramic has been absent from the Apple Watch lineup. Collectors have kept interest alive, driving up demand for rare ceramic models on resale markets. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/))
What’s Known About Series 12 and the Return of Ceramic
Earlier this month, a prominent Apple analyst said ceramic might return either later this year or in 2027. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/)) The latest claim from Kosutami suggests Apple is aiming for a reintroduction with Series 12 this year. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/))
Series 12 is also expected to include a new chip and some incremental improvements, while keeping most of the design similar to Series 11. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/)) It’s anticipated to launch together with Apple Watch Ultra 4, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone, likely in September. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/ceramic-apple-watch-to-return-with-series-12/))
What this means: The ceramic casing could offer a premium, long-lasting finish option in the new lineup. Given its previous discontinuation, its revival would appeal strongly to those who value durability and distinctive materials. But unless Apple revises pricing or supply strategies, the ceramic version may be niche—still coveted, but potentially pricey.
