Apple is reportedly examining ceramic as a potential case material for upcoming iPhones and Apple Watches, according to a new patent. Zirconium will be applied to the surface of such casings at the same time, giving it a matte finish and boosting strength.

The patent is titled ‘Electronic Devices with Textured Zirconia-Based Components’. As per Apple, the inclusion of this material in the design will give “a matte appearance to an exterior surface of an electronic device. The texture of the enclosure component may also be configured so that it has one or more tactile properties suitable for use as a wearable device and can be readily cleaned.”

The material, according to the report, may be utilized at the iPhone's back or as a side surface surrounding the main body of the gadget, similar to the surface that wraps around the side of the Apple Watch. As a result, it's possible that Apple will switch from toughened glass to a ceramic matte surface in the future. The company might carry out that for the top-tier iPhone models, such as the Pro versions.

It is believed that the iPhone's back may have a zirconia coating to make it both stronger and lighter. Additionally, it will shield smartphone from dents, chips from falls, and other harm.

Zirconium satisfies all the criteria, but it has one significant flaw: the price. As a result, the case material may be the only factor in the price of the upcoming iPhone and Apple Watch. According to reports, zirconia has a very high level of wear resistance together with excellent strength and hardness. Additionally, it is immune to chemical deterioration.

It's probable that Cupertino will blend aluminum and steel rather than pure zirconium for the case, increasing the case's robustness.

From a practical aspect, it appears as though Apple might definitely explore adding the Zirconia-based material to its premium models, such as the Pro and the Pro Max of the iPhone series. However, for the time being, it is simply a patent. Such a material would be a wonderful fit for high-end models, but using it in the design would increase the price tags of the products. In the near future, the business might possibly incorporate it into the Apple Watch's side design. Ceramic has previously been found inside of smartphones.

Although the Galaxy S10 + Performance Edition and the Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 featured ceramic casings before, they were pricey, high-end smartphones that were only produced in limited quantities. How Apple intends to release millions of devices with such cases is still unclear. They may only accentuate their premium status on Pro/Pro Max versions.

As per Apple, “The zirconia-based component may be formed of a ceramic such as a partially stabilized zirconia ceramic or an alumina toughened zirconia ceramic.”

It's also important to note that the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 have displays with Ceramic Shield protection, which makes them more durable.