The Apple Watch Series 12 could revive a premium finish that has been absent for several years, according to the latest chatter surrounding Apple’s next smartwatch. Neither the Series 12 nor the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to deliver fundamental upgrades this year, yet the base model may still hold a surprise for buyers seeking something more distinctive.
Modest hardware refinements are anticipated for the Series 12, but the more notable change may lie on the exterior. Reports suggest the Series 12 could bring back the ceramic casing last seen on earlier models. This is not the first indication of such a move, with speculation pointing to a possible return either this year or the next.
A luxurious finish with a long history
Apple first launched a ceramic smartwatch a decade ago with the Apple Watch Series 2 Edition. That was the premium model of 2016, starting at roughly £990. A year later, a black version made from the same material arrived alongside the Series 3 range.
Following a brief pause, the ceramic finish briefly returned with the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019. As with its predecessors, it stood as the luxury option of its year, starting at around £1,030 for the 40 mm model and about £1,070 for the 44 mm version.
After that, the ceramic option was discontinued, leaving the Hermès edition models as the only premium alternatives. On the Apple Watch Series 11, these are crafted from so-called silver titanium. It remains unclear whether the returning ceramic casing would form part of the Hermès line-up or a revived Edition tier of the watch.
Pricing and future changes
Cost is likely to be the main consideration for users weighing up the ceramic finish, with many anticipating a higher price than the standard models. That expectation appears to be tempering enthusiasm among some potential buyers.
Looking further ahead, the Apple Watch Series 13 could prove far more distinct. A recent rumour indicated that next year’s watches may adopt a new band system, a change that could render existing bands incompatible. Similar claims have circulated for several years, however, so there is no guarantee such a shift will arrive soon.
A high-end ceramic Apple Watch could appeal to those pairing it with Apple’s most expensive devices, including a foldable iPhone Ultra priced at around £1,580, as well as the iPhone 18 Pro Max following any price increase. For now, the ceramic casing remains an unconfirmed prospect tied to the Series 12.
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Image: phonearena.com
