Apple’s Next 3 Products Revealed in macOS Code
▼ Summary
– macOS 26.3 contains codenames hinting at a lower-cost MacBook and two new Studio Display models, corroborating previous rumors.
– The lower-cost MacBook is rumored to launch in early March, featuring an A18 Pro chip, bright colors, a 12.9-inch display, and a price between $599-$799.
– This new MacBook would be a distinct, budget-friendly model reviving the simple “MacBook” brand name, positioned below the MacBook Air.
– At least one new Studio Display is expected to have a 27-inch mini-LED screen with a high refresh rate, HDR, and an A19 chip, launching in the first half of 2026.
– The second Studio Display model is presumed to be a higher-end variant, though specific details about its features are not yet known.
A fresh look at the code within a recent macOS update has provided new clues about Apple’s upcoming hardware plans. Buried in the files of macOS 26.3 are references to three distinct products, offering a clearer picture of what the company might be preparing to launch. These findings point toward a significant expansion of Apple’s lineup, including a new budget-friendly laptop and two updated external monitors.
The discoveries, made by examining the software’s source code, reveal specific internal identifiers. The codename J700 is linked to a much-rumored lower-cost MacBook, a device positioned to make Apple’s ecosystem more accessible. Meanwhile, identifiers J427 and J527 correspond to two new versions of the Studio Display, suggesting an update to the company’s popular external monitor with at least one higher-end model in the works. This isn’t the first sighting of these names; they have also appeared in previous software versions, indicating ongoing development.
Industry observers now believe the launch timeline is coming into focus. The affordable MacBook is widely expected to debut in early March, potentially as part of a multi-day announcement event. Following that, media hands-on sessions are reportedly scheduled for March 4th in key global cities. The new Studio Displays, however, are anticipated for release sometime in the first half of 2026, and it remains uncertain if they will be previewed alongside the laptop next month.
Speculation about the budget laptop’s specifications is particularly intriguing. Rather than using one of Apple’s standard M-series processors, reports suggest it could be powered by a variant of the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. This strategic choice would help differentiate it from the MacBook Air and manage costs. The device is also rumored to feature a 12.9-inch display, come in a selection of vibrant colors like yellow or blue, and start with 8GB of RAM. Price estimates vary, but it could land between $599 and $799, reviving the simple “MacBook” name as a new entry-level option.
As for the Studio Displays, the update appears focused on significant internal enhancements. The higher-end model is tipped to gain a mini-LED backlight and support for a 120Hz refresh rate, which would dramatically improve brightness, contrast, and motion clarity for a superior HDR experience. Powering these improvements would likely be a newer A19-series chip, a substantial upgrade from the current A13 Bionic, enabling better camera performance and overall system responsiveness. The design is expected to remain largely unchanged from the current 27-inch model, which starts at $1,599.
Details on the second Studio Display model are scarce, but the codename structure implies it could be a more premium variant. Enthusiasts are hopeful it might feature a larger 32-inch screen, though that remains speculative. These anticipated updates would address key criticisms of the existing monitor, launched in 2022, by bringing it closer to the visual quality of Apple’s Pro Display XDR at a more accessible price point.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
