Apple announced the Apple Watch Ultra 2 alongside the iPhone 15 lineup with significant interior changes. The wearable looks identical to the original model, with a titanium case and a flat glass. On the back, the Apple Watch Ultra features a slightly different design compared to the standard models of the Apple Watch. It features a gray ceramic back that matches the titanium finish of the device. It seems that the company was working on an Apple Watch Ultra model with a black ceramic finish, according to a prototype.

Apple Watch Ultra prototype shows a black ceramic back, similar to the Series 9 and older models

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a competent device with an upgraded S9 chip based on the iPhone 13's A15 Bionic chip. The Apple Watch Ultra prototype was shown in an FCC filing, which reveals a black ceramic back on the wearable. However, the back of the Apple Watch Ultra prototype is not the only thing different from the final version. There are a few other changes that the company implemented to make the final version more refined.

A user named @ParrotSWD stated on X that the FCC images of the wearable look slightly different than what we use today. The Apple Watch Series 9 and older models have featured a black ceramic back for a while, and it seems that the company wanted the 'Ultra' to be classified differently.

Besides the black ceramic back, the Apple Watch Ultra prototype shows the Action Button in a plastic finish. The final version of the Apple Watch Ultra features a metal finish, which is a welcome addition regarding durability. Furthermore, the company also redesigned the Action Button. It remains to be seen if the prototype is the original or the second-generation model of the Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple is working to replace the display of the Apple Watch Ultra in 2026 with a micro-LED panel. The company is working on its in-house micro-LED displays, which will debut with the Apple Watch Ultra in the coming years. The new display technology will be brought forward to the iPhone, iPad, and Macs. It is interesting to see how Apple has changed its plans from the prototype to the final version.

Apple sends its product prototypes to the FCC for testing before the final launch. We have previously seen numerous prototypes of devices in different color options and designs, which indicates that the company has been playing with the same approach for a while. How did you like the black ceramic back on the Apple Watch Ultra prototype?