Apple may have accidentally confirmed two of its most anticipated upcoming products inside the latest macOS release.
Code discovered in macOS 26.3 appears to reference a low-cost MacBook and not one, but two new Studio Displays, just weeks before Apple’s March 4 “Apple Experience” event.
Low-cost MacBook essentially confirmed
According to findings highlighted by Macworld, the final public build of macOS 26.3 includes kernel extensions for three unreleased devices: J700, J427, and J527.
J700 is widely believed to be the rumored low-cost MacBook.
This entry-level Mac is expected to sit below the MacBook Air in Apple’s lineup and could become the most affordable Apple silicon Mac ever released.
Instead of using an M-series processor, the new MacBook is rumored to run the same A18 Pro chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro. Benchmark data suggests the A18 Pro performs slightly better than the M1, which would make it more than capable for students, casual users, and everyday productivity tasks.
Recent reporting from Mark Gurman suggests the device will feature:
- An aluminum chassis
- A display slightly under 13 inches
- A price potentially starting as low as $599, though $699 to $799 seems more realistic
If Apple really delivers a sub-$700 Mac with modern Apple silicon performance, it could dramatically expand the Mac user base.
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Two Studio Displays Spotted in macOS Code
The same macOS 26.3 build references J427 and J527, believed to be two variants of a next-generation Studio Display.
Previous leaks suggest Studio Display 2 may include:
- ProMotion with 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR support
- An A19 chip for smart features like Spatial Audio and enhanced webcam processing
The real surprise is the possibility of two models. There are two likely scenarios:
- Apple introduces a larger display size option
- Apple offers a more affordable version with fewer features
Either move would make sense. The current Studio Display has remained largely unchanged since launch, and a more flexible lineup could appeal to a broader range of creative professionals.
What About Other Macs?
Rumors have also pointed to:
- New MacBook Pro models with higher-end M5 chips
- A refreshed MacBook Air
- A new Mac Studio
However, none of those products appear in macOS 26.3, suggesting they may arrive later in the year.
Why This Matters
Apple embedding product identifiers in public OS builds is not new, but it is always telling. When drivers appear in a final public release, launch timing is usually close.
Between the low-cost MacBook and dual Studio Display models, March 4 could be more than a routine refresh cycle. It could signal a broader strategy shift, especially if Apple is serious about pushing into lower price tiers.
If you were waiting for a cheaper Mac or a meaningful Studio Display upgrade, this might be the moment.
