macOS 26.3 might have just spilled Apple’s biggest March 4 secrets
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld has discovered kernel extensions in macOS 26.3 revealing the code names of March 4 Apple products, including a low-cost MacBook J700 and two new Studio Display models.
- The budget MacBook will feature an A18 Pro chip and aluminum construction, priced between $599 and $799, while the new Studio displays may include 120Hz ProMotion and HDR capabilities.
- These results strongly suggest that Apple’s March 4 announcement will unveil major hardware releases targeting both budget-conscious users and professional display markets.
As we’ve widely reported, Apple is rumored to be launching new products soon, with the company recently confirming a special announcement for March 4. Expected products include a low-cost MacBook and a new generation of Studio Display.
If you needed more proof that these products will be hitting stores soon, here’s the proof from Apple itself. The code for macOS 26.3, released last week, confirms the existence of such devices.
As Macworld discovered, the final version 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 code names match previous reports, including those based on an internal build of iOS 26 leaked last year.
Low-cost MacBook essentially confirmed
J700 is the code name for the new low-cost MacBook. This Mac is expected to be priced lower than the current MacBook Air and will be the first Apple Silicon Mac to be powered by an A-series chip instead of an M-series chip.
Specifically, the new entry-level MacBook would have the same A18 Pro chip as the iPhone 16 Pro models. Benchmark tests 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.
Most recently, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the laptop would have a slightly smaller 13-inch screen and be made of aluminum, despite its lower price. Some analysts estimate the price will be as low as $599, but a price between $699 and $799 is more likely.
Apple’s 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 new devices: J427 and J527, two variants of a new generation of Studio Display.
As Macworld previously reported, an internal build of iOS 26 revealed that Studio Display 2 should feature significant improvements, including ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support. The new display is also expected to pack an A19 chip to handle smart features like Spatial Audio and webcam image processing.
But perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the existence of not one, but two new screens. The differences between the two models are unclear, but the two most likely scenarios are either an option with a larger screen size or a lower-end version with fewer features.
What about other Macs?
Based on the latest rumors, Apple is also working on new MacBook Pro models featuring high-end versions of the M5 chip and a refresh of the MacBook Air, as well as a new generation of Mac Studio. However, these models are not referenced in macOS 26.3.
This doesn’t mean they won’t be released next month, as Apple might just roll out a new version 26.3.1 specifically for these machines. Still, the fact that macOS 26.3 supports at least the new MacBooks and Studio Display strongly suggests that these products will arrive sooner rather than later.
