Do any of you remember that Apple offered Apple Watch models in ceramic? Let’s go back to 2016.
In September 2016, when Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple had an additional luxury collection of Apple Watch models called the “Apple Watch Edition.” The original generation of the Apple Watch Edition came in 18-karat yellow gold or rose gold cases; however, they were unsurprisingly super expensive starting at $10,000. Since this starting price was obviously out of reach of customers who wanted the most luxurious experience, Apple ditched the gold casings in favor of cases made entirely out of ceramic starting with the Series 2, which was the same material that Apple used on the back of most of Apple Watch models that Apple sold to date. The ceramic models were more durable and more scratch-resistant than the stainless steel models. More importantly, the ceramic Edition models started at a significantly lower price of $1,249, which was almost one-tenth the starting price of the original Apple Watch Edition when it first launched.
Image: Apple
For Series 2, the Apple Watch Edition initially came in white ceramic. A year later, Apple added a new gray ceramic option for Series 3. This was where the history started to become more interesting. Apple briefly stopped producing Apple Watch Edition models for the Series 4, so that came in either aluminum or stainless steel cases. However, Apple brought back the Apple Watch Edition lineup by reintroducing the white ceramic option in a more modern design than the prior Series 4 introduced, but the gray ceramic option never saw the light of day again. Additionally, Apple made up for the missing option by bringing a new case material to the Apple Watch Edition, which was titanium. The titanium models came in either natural or space black finishes, and both of them started at $799. The ceramic models were sold at $1,299.
Image: Apple
Apple once again stopped producing Apple Watch Edition models for the Series 6, but Apple brought back the Edition line with the Series 7 in 2021. However, the Series 7 Edition models came in only natural titanium and space black titanium cases. With next year’s announcements, Apple killed off the Apple Watch Edition entirely, leaving only the Hermès collaboration as Apple’s only luxury collection of Apple Watches, marking the end of an era for the Apple Watch Edition, including the ceramic models.
Image: Apple
Apple recently announced watchOS 11 last month, and it officially dropped support for the Apple Watch Series 5; therefore, watchOS 10 will be the final software version for the last ceramic Apple Watch models that Apple sold. Although owners of those watches won’t be able to use the new features that watchOS 11 will offer, they’ll still be able to use the watch until the battery dies out. However, in several years, Apple will declare the Apple Watch Series 5 obsolete at some point, so don’t expect the longevity of the smartwatch to last forever. Apple already marked the original Apple Watch lineup (including the Edition models) obsolete, so Edition owners will eventually be stuck with a bricked device that won’t turn on anymore. To enhance your current Apple Watch experience, pairing it with an Apple watch band from Solace Bands could offer a fresh look and added comfort while you make the most of your device.
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