Apple Watch may return to a ceramic edition version not seen in years

Apple is reportedly planning to reintroduce a ceramic casing option for the Apple Watch as early as late 2026 or 2027, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported August 9. According to Gurman’s industry sources, the ceramic edition could return with the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 lineup, although Apple has not officially confirmed the plans.

According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who published the initial report on August 9, 2026, Apple is planning to reintroduce a ceramic casing option for the Apple Watch as soon as late 2026 or sometime in 2027. Gurman’s report, based on industry sources, indicated that the ceramic edition could return with the Apple Watch Series 12 lineup, although Apple has not confirmed these plans. The report quickly gained traction among technology news outlets, which treated the information as an unconfirmed rumor rather than official news.

Apple first introduced a ceramic Apple Watch Edition with the Series 2 in September 2016, positioned as a premium option priced at $1,249 and marketed as four times as hard as stainless steel.

Further fueling speculation, a leaker known as Kosutami posted on the social media platform X around August 19–20, 2026, that the ceramic case would indeed be part of the Apple Watch Series 12. Kosutami’s post stated, “Hell yeah, Ceramic  Watch is back. We’ll see it at Series 12,” according to multiple secondary reports. While Kosutami’s claim was cited as supporting evidence for Gurman’s earlier report, it was emphasized that the leaker is not an official Apple source.

Historical records show that Apple first introduced a ceramic Apple Watch Edition with the Series 2 in September 2016. This initial ceramic model was white and positioned as a premium, top-of-the-line option priced at $1,249. Apple marketed the ceramic casing as four times as hard as stainless steel, distinguishing it from the aluminum and stainless steel models in the lineup. A gray ceramic option was later added with the Series 3, but ceramic was absent from the Series 4, which marked the disappearance of the Edition line.

Apple reintroduced white ceramic with the Series 5 in 2019, pairing it alongside titanium as premium casing options. However, the ceramic edition was discontinued again with the Series 6 launch in 2020, leaving titanium as the sole high-end material choice. The ceramic casing has historically served as a luxury finish to differentiate the higher-end Apple Watch models from the standard versions.

Reports about the rumored 2026 ceramic return suggest that Apple may offer ceramic as a case material option rather than reviving a separate Edition product line. Most coverage connects this potential return to the Apple Watch Series 12, with Gurman’s reporting allowing for a late 2026 or 2027 timeline, while Kosutami’s post pointed more specifically to 2026. The ceramic model is expected to serve as a premium differentiator in the upcoming Watch generation, although no details on specifications, pricing, or exact launch dates have been confirmed.

The rumor remains unverified by Apple, and all reporting ultimately traces back to Gurman’s industry sources and Kosutami’s leak. Multiple outlets reiterated the claims between August 9 and August 21, 2026, but none cited official statements from Apple. Industry analysts and Apple-watch focused reporters regard Gurman as one of the most reliable sources for Apple-related news, lending weight to the speculation despite the absence of official confirmation.

Apple’s prior use of ceramic in its Watch lineup is well documented through product announcements and reviews dating back to 2016. The material was promoted for its durability and luxury appeal, distinguishing it from the more common aluminum and stainless steel casings. If Apple does reintroduce ceramic, it would mark the first time since 2020 that the material is offered as a casing option.

As of August 2026, Apple has not issued any official communication regarding the return of ceramic casing for the Apple Watch. The company’s typical product announcement cycle suggests that details about the Series 12 lineup, including any new materials or editions, would be revealed closer to the fall launch period. Until then, the ceramic Apple Watch remains a rumored addition to Apple’s smartwatch offerings.