While the Apple Watch design remains unchanged, the premium ceramic material could return to the lineup after a seven‑year absence. The material first debuted with the Apple Watch Series 2 in 2017 and was offered in white or white‑and‑black options before being dropped entirely in 2020.

According to Mark Gurman in Bloomberg’s “Power On” newsletter, Apple is reportedly preparing to re‑introduce the ceramic case option for the Apple Watch as early as the end of 2026 or in 2027, marking the first rumor tied to the 2026 update.

Ceramic had a brief but notable history, appearing in the Apple Watch Edition Series 2 with a white case, then the Edition Series 3 with gray and white options, before disappearing after the Edition series was omitted from Series 4 in 2018 and again after Series 6.

When the ceramic models launched, the 40 mm version sold for $1,299 and the 44 mm for $1,349, far above the $699 stainless‑steel cellular model and the $799 titanium version, indicating that the revived ceramic option will likely command a premium price. Consumers should expect the new ceramic Apple Watch to be significantly more expensive than the steel or titanium alternatives.