Apple Watch Series 12 Alongside the Iphone 18 Pro Models, and the Premium Smartwatch May Return With an Expensive Ceramic Case Option

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new ceramic case option. The company last used this premium material with the Apple Watch Series 2, and it is now considering bringing it back for the Series 12 or a subsequent model. Apple introduced the ceramic case with the Series 2, added a black version with the Series 3, and returned to a white ceramic finish with the Series 5 before discontinuing the option in 2020 when it launched the Series 6. Ceramic models stand out for their glossy surfaces and strong scratch resistance, but are priced well above standard aluminum and titanium versions; the Series 5 ceramic Apple Watch started at $1,299. Beyond reintroducing the ceramic case, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will focus on performance and tracking improvements rather than a new design, likely featuring a new chip.

The previous two generations used the S10 chip, which offered almost no improvement over the S9 chip introduced in 2023. Gurman added that this year's new Apple Watch models will offer new color and band options along with several health and fitness-related upgrades. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are expected to be unveiled next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone Ultra.