Overview
- Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman wrote in his Power On newsletter on Sunday that Apple is planning to bring back a ceramic Apple Watch case as soon as late 2026 or in 2027.
- Apple has not confirmed the report so the timing and availability remain unverified and should be treated as a rumor.
- Past ceramic Apple Watch models used compressed zirconia and alumina polished with a diamond slurry and were marketed as much harder than steel, with Series 5 ceramic units starting around $1,299.
- The ceramic option is reported to be tied to the upcoming Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 cycle, which outlets say will include modest design tweaks and an under‑the‑hood performance uplift likely from a new chip.
- A revived ceramic tier would target premium buyers, could push Apple to price above current titanium and Ultra models, and would revive strong collector demand on the secondary market.