Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld discovered kernel extensions in macOS 26.3 and revealed the codenames for Apple’s rumored March 4 releases, including the budget MacBook J700 and two new Studio Display models.
- The affordable MacBook will feature an A18 Pro chip and aluminum construction, priced from $599 to $799 to compete with entry-level laptops.
- The new Studio Displays are expected to feature ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates, HDR support, and A19 chips for improved webcam processing and surround sound features.
As we’ve covered extensively, Apple is rumored to be unveiling new products soon, as the company recently confirmed a special announcement for March 4th. Expected products include a low-cost MacBook and a new generation of Studio Display.
If you needed any more proof that these products are coming to stores soon, here’s proof from Apple itself. Code from macOS 26.3, released to the public last week, confirms the existence of such devices.
As Macworld has discovered, the final build of macOS 26.3 released to the public on February 11 includes kernel extensions (kexts) for three new devices identified as J700, J427 and J527. The codenames match previous reports, including one based on an internal build of iOS 26 that was leaked last year.
Low-cost MacBook basically confirmed
The J700 is the codename for the supposedly new low-cost MacBook. This Mac is expected to be priced lower than the current MacBook Air and will be Apple’s first silicon Mac to be powered by an A-series chip instead of an M-series chip.
More specifically, the new entry-level MacBook will reportedly have the same A18 Pro chip as the iPhone 16 Pro models. Benchmarks show that the A18 Pro performs slightly better than the M1, which is good enough for most casual users who will be the target audience for this new laptop.
Recently, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the laptop will have a display of less than 13 inches and will be made of aluminum, despite its lower price. Some analysts believe it will cost as much as $599, but a price between $699 and $799 is more likely.
The Apple Studio Display is almost four years old and in need of an update.
Foundry
In addition to the highly anticipated MacBook, macOS 26.3 includes drivers for two other unreleased devices: the J427 and J527, both variants of the next-generation Studio Display.
As previously reported by Macworld, an internal build of iOS 26 revealed that Studio Display 2 is expected to have significant improvements, including ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support. The new display is also expected to have an A19 chip inside that will handle smart features like surround sound and webcam image processing.
But perhaps the most interesting aspect is the existence of not one, but two new displays. The differences between the two models are unclear, but the two most likely scenarios are either a larger screen size option or a lower version with fewer features.
What about other Macs?
Based on the latest rumors, Apple is also working on new MacBook Pro models with higher versions of the M5 chip and a refresh of the MacBook Air, as well as a new generation Mac Studio. However, these models are not listed in macOS 26.3.
That doesn’t mean they won’t be released next month, as Apple could simply release a new 26.3.1 build specifically for those machines. However, the fact that macOS 26.3 supports at least the new MacBook and Studio Display strongly suggests that these products will arrive sooner rather than later.