Apple Watch Series 12 models with a ceramic case are physically larger than the same model in aluminum or titanium, according to Apple’s technical specifications.
At 46mm, Apple’s tech specs page lists the aluminum and titanium case at 46mm by 40mm by 9.7mm, while the ceramic case sold under the same 46mm name measures 47mm by 41mm by 9.85mm, which is a millimeter longer, a millimeter wider, and 0.15mm taller. The 42mm size follows the same pattern: 42mm by 37mm by 9.7mm for aluminum and titanium, compared to 43mm by 37mm by 9.85mm for ceramic, a millimeter higher and 0.15mm thicker, with the width unchanged.
The display is not affected. Apple lists the same display area of 1,196mm² at 46mm and 970mm² at 42mm across all three materials, meaning the extra size is all about the case and not the screen.
Ceramic models are also heavier. At 46mm, the Pearl White ceramic case weighs 51.3 grams and Night Blue weighs 52.9 grams, compared to 39.5 grams for the equivalent aluminum model and 44.9 grams for titanium, up to 34% heavier than aluminum and 18% heavier than titanium. The 42mm ceramic models weigh 41.7 grams in Pearl White and 42.8 grams in Midnight Blue, compared to 32.2 grams for aluminum and 36.5 grams for titanium, up to 33% heavier than aluminum and 17% heavier than titanium.
This appears to be the first time Apple has sold different physical case sizes under the same nominal watch size. The increase in size is likely a design compromise due to the entirely different material, although early ceramic Apple Watch Edition models used identical case dimensions across all materials at a given size, with only the weight changing between them.
Ceramic returns to the Apple Watch lineup with the Series 12 after a six-year absence, having last been offered on the Series 5 in 2019 before Apple discontinued it for the Series 6 in 2020.
The ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $899, compared to $399 for aluminum and $699 for titanium, in Pearl White or Night Blue finishes. It will launch on September 18.
