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According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is testing an Apple Watch Series 12 ceramic case option internally codenamed “iceman,” featuring both white and dark gray configurations. The potential material revival brings back a high-end finish not seen in the wearable lineup since the Series 6 launched in 2020.
Ceramic Apple Watch Cases Return in White and Dark Gray
The upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 refresh is speculated to ship with two premium ceramic options, according to reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his “Power On” newsletter. Apple previously utilized ceramic starting with the Series 2 in September 2016, offering a white zirconia and alumina powder finish polished with a diamond slurry that was marketed as four times as hard as stainless steel, as noted by MacRumors. A gray ceramic option joined the lineup with the Series 3 before the Edition tier vanished entirely with the Series 4 in 2018. The white ceramic finish briefly returned for the Series 5 in 2019 alongside an all-new titanium option before disappearing for six years.
Did you know? Apple’s original ceramic Apple Watch Edition brought down the starting price of the high-end tier from thousands of dollars in gold models to a comparatively modest $1,249 when it debuted in 2016.
Modest Hardware Upgrades and Performance Shifts
Beyond the material changes, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will continue a trend of modest upgrades focused primarily on under-the-hood performance, according to MacRumors reporting. The previous two wearable generations relied on the S10 chip, which was effectively unchanged from the S9 chip introduced in 2023. Gurman notes that while a major redesign is not expected this year, potential updates could slip into 2027 or 2028. Alongside the new silicon, the upcoming lineup will feature additional band colors and configurations for standard variants.
Continuous Health Monitoring and Sensor Testing
Apple has tested a method for the heart rate sensor to continuously collect data throughout the day, shifting away from current semi-random intervals or active workout tracking, according to Gurman’s reporting. While rumors have pointed to potential band-based sensors, Gurman’s reporting focuses on software and feature adjustments. The timing for when continuous heart rate tracking will debut remains unconfirmed, with possibilities ranging from the upcoming September release to a later software deployment.
Event Timing and Preorder Schedules
Apple’s upcoming hardware event is scheduled for September 9, where the Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable iPhone, according to MacRumors and Bloomberg reporting. While preorders traditionally open on the Friday following the announcement, rumors suggest Apple may shift the launch to Saturday. Furthermore, preorders are allegedly slated to open at 12:01 am PT, or 3:01 am ET, breaking from the usual 5 am PT or 8 am ET window.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Apple Watch Series 12 expected to be released?
The Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to be introduced during Apple’s hardware event on September 9, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone.
What colors will the ceramic Apple Watch case be available in?
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has tested white and dark gray configurations for the ceramic case option internally referred to as “iceman.”
When was ceramic last used on an Apple Watch?
Ceramic was last used on the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019, before being permanently discontinued when the Series 6 launched in 2020.
Will there be a major redesign for the Apple Watch this year?
No major redesign is anticipated for the wearable lineup this year, though changes may arrive in 2027 or 2028 according to industry reports.
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