The Apple Watch Series 12 is launching with a ceramic option, the first time Apple has offered ceramic on a wearable since the Series 5 in 2019.
Apple Watch Series 12 ceramic and pricing
The ceramic finish is available in pearl white or night blue and starts at $899, rising to $949 for the 46mm model. By comparison, the Series 12’s base configuration starts at $399.
Apple did not resurrect the “Apple Watch Edition” branding for the Series 12 (the company stopped using that name in a forward-facing manner when the Series 4 launched). The new ceramic option, however, is positioned as a high-end alternative for buyers willing to pay well above the model’s base price.
History of Apple Watch premium case materials
Across past models, Apple has shifted its most expensive case material several times: Series 1 — 18-karat gold; Series 2 — ceramic; Series 3 — ceramic; Series 4 — stainless steel; Series 5 — ceramic; Series 6 — titanium; Series 7 — titanium; Series 8 — stainless steel; Series 9 — stainless steel; Series 10 — titanium; Series 11 — titanium. Since 2019, each launch has offered aluminum as the most affordable option, with stainless steel or titanium (sometimes both) available as pricier alternatives.
