Apple Plans Ceramic Apple Watch Return in 2026-2027
Apple plans to reintroduce ceramic cases for the Apple Watch as early as 2026 or 2027, reviving a material first used in 2016 on the Series 2 Edition line at a starting price of US$1,249. The ceramic case, four times harder than stainless steel, was discontinued in 2020 after the Series 6 launch. The 2026 models will also feature new colors, band styles, and upgraded health and fitness functions. Near-term releases include minor upgrades to the Series 12 and Ultra 4.
Apple plans to reintroduce ceramic cases for the Apple Watch as early as 2026 or 2027. The material was first introduced in 2016 on the Apple Watch Series 2 as part of the Edition line, with a starting price of US$1,249, replacing the previously expensive gold version. The ceramic case is made from zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide powder pressed under high pressure and polished with diamond slurry, making it four times harder than stainless steel.
In 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 added a gray ceramic option. When the Series 4 launched in 2018, Apple discontinued the Edition product line and did not offer ultra-premium material cases. The Series 5 in 2019 brought back white ceramic and titanium, but after the Series 6 launched in 2020, ceramic cases were discontinued again. For the six years since, ceramic has been absent from the Apple Watch lineup, making those models sought-after collector's items on the second-hand market.
The 2026 new products will also offer new color options, band styles, and upgraded health and fitness features. In the near term, Apple is expected to release minor upgrades to the Series 12 and Ultra 4.