Apple Explored Dark Ceramic Back for Apple Watch Ultra, FCC Documents Reveal
Apple reportedly conducted experiments with a dark ceramic back for the Apple Watch Ultra, according to documents filed with the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Prototype Revealed in FCC Documents
The FCC documents, discovered by @ParrotSWD on X/Twitter, indicate that Apple may have initially considered a darker color option for the smartwatch before ultimately choosing the current titanium finish. These documents were part of Apple's application for the Apple Watch Ultra, which was released in September 2022. They include images of a prototype that features a dark ceramic back, closely resembling the ceramic back found on previous Apple Watch Series models.
Design Differences from Final Release
One notable design difference in the prototype is the presence of a plastic-looking Action button with no indent. This deviates from the final release of the Apple Watch Ultra. The prototype images suggest that Apple was exploring various design elements for the smartwatch before finalizing its appearance.
Expiration of Confidentiality Clause
According to MacRumors, it is likely that the confidentiality clause associated with the FCC filings for the Apple Watch Ultra has recently expired. This expiration may have allowed the images of the dark ceramic prototype to surface now, providing a glimpse into Apple's design experimentation process.
Current Offering of Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple currently offers the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which was released in September 2023, in the same natural titanium color as the first-generation model. Despite rumors prior to the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 suggesting the possibility of a darker color option, this did not come to fruition.
