Apple introduces the Apple Watch Series 12 with the notable return of ceramic, a material that has been absent from its lineup since 2019, as well as a new dark bronze finish inspired by traditional watches.
During its presentation event, Apple highlighted several new products, including its first foldable smartphone called Apple Duo. Among these announcements, the evolution of the Apple Watch Series 12 took a more discreet position, with two aesthetic choices aimed at watch enthusiasts: the return of a ceramic case and the introduction of a new color option.
Ceramic returns to the Apple Watch lineup after several years away
Apple introduced ceramic to the Apple Watch Series 2 in 2016. The material was later offered on the Series 3 and Series 5 before disappearing from the catalog starting in 2019.
With the Series 12, the California-based company is bringing back a material that has been used for several decades in the watch industry. Ceramic is valued for its scratch resistance, light weight, and distinctive feel.
Apple Watch Series 12 – © Apple
The new Apple Watch Series 12 will be available with two cases made entirely from ceramic: pearl white and midnight blue. These versions are primarily aimed at users looking for a finish that differs from traditional aluminum or titanium models.
Apple is also introducing Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum models. According to the company, this protection offers greater resistance than the glass used on competing smartwatches and is said to be 60% more resistant than the Ion-X glass found on previous aluminum generations.
A dark bronze finish inspired by mechanical watches
The second aesthetic novelty of the Apple Watch Series 12 is a new finish called dark bronze. This color adopts the visual codes of diving watches, field watches, and classic aviation models. Apple is seeking to bring its connected device closer to traditional watchmaking references, with a more rugged appearance.
Despite its name, this version does not use bronze as a construction material. The case is made from aluminum combined with Ceramic Shield 2, allowing Apple to maintain a controlled weight while adopting this metallic appearance.
This approach reflects a trend already seen in traditional watchmaking: offering finishes that evoke certain historic materials without adopting their technical drawbacks, particularly those related to weight or maintenance.
Apple keeps several finishes and expands customization options
Alongside the new versions, Apple is retaining several existing colors. The lineup includes black, light gold, space gray aluminum, bright gold, and natural titanium.
With the Series 12, Apple continues to position its product at the boundary between smartwatch and horological accessory. The return of ceramic targets users who value premium materials, while the dark bronze finish gives the range a more distinctive visual identity.
Launch announced from $399
The Apple Watch Series 12 is available for pre-order on Apple’s website, with prices starting at $399.
The watch comes in two case sizes, 42 mm and 46 mm, with operation based on an electronic quartz-type movement.
With this new generation, Apple is focusing on changes mainly related to materials and design. The return of ceramic represents the most notable update for watch enthusiasts, while the dark bronze finish aims to broaden the visual identity of the range.