Budget MacBook and two Apple Studio Displays emerge in macOS 26.3 code days before launch

Apple recently sent out invitations to the so-called "Apple Experience" on March 4. This event is expected to be a hands-on session for the press, the corresponding product announcements might happen between March 2 and March 4. That said, Macworld has already found references in the macOS 26.3 code to three new products, reinforcing rumors that their launch is imminent.

First up is the new "budget MacBook", which is listed under the codename "J700". The laptop is expected to be positioned as a lower-cost alternative to the MacBook Air (from $849 on Amazon).  To bring the price down, it might be powered by the Apple A18 Pro iPhone chipset with just 8GB RAM in the base configuration. Apple supposedly tested variants in yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver, and dark gray. Rumors say the MacBook will feature a 12.9-inch display and an aluminum chassis, and the base model is expected to cost under $800.

In the macOS 26.3 code, Macworld has also found two additional model numbers, namely J427 and J527. These could be two versions of the next-generation Apple Studio Display, but it is not yet clear whether the monitor will come in two different sizes or whether Apple is planning a lower-cost version with fewer features. Rumors suggest that at least one version of the next-generation Apple Studio Display will stick with a 27-inch 5K panel, but add a higher refresh rate of 90Hz or 120Hz and a mini-LED backlight which could result in higher brightness and improved contrast.