Will Apple release a Jet Black Series 11 Apple Watch?

Jet Black Series 10 hiding in the shadows.

When Apple announced the Series 10 in Jet Black, it caught me by surprise, and I knew it was going to be the color I chose. 

Apple only had one Jet Black device before, and that was the iPhone 7. Why they discontinued it is anybody’s guess, but it could have something to do with it scratching too easily, which Apple acknowledged in a footnote (taken from The Verge):

The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.

This problem doesn’t exist with the Series 10, and it may have something to do with a newer 30-step anodization process vs the old nine-step process:

For the first time, Apple Watch comes in an eye-catching Jet Black aluminum. The case is polished until it’s extremely reflective. It then goes through a 30-step anodization process to create a deep, glossy black that’s truly striking. The result is a timeless, sophisticated look.

I’ve had my Jet Black for around 6 months now, and after giving it a thorough wipe down, I cannot see any micro abrasions at all, or any other unexplainable scratches beyond my one critical drop. My watch isn’t perfect, but it seems like Apple has improved their anodizing and polishing process within the 8 years since the iPhone 7.

Besides Jet Black, the iPhone 7 came in a regular Black variant, giving people a choice between matte and glossy black. With the Series 10, Apple doubled down on Jet Black and didn’t release another black variant. They must be confident in this new Jet Black color, and it gives me confidence that the Jet Black might stick around beyond the Series 10.