macOS 26.3 references two new Studio Display models, per report

Chance Miller | Feb 20 2026 - 5:08 am PT

New references uncovered in macOS 26.3 reveal multiple new Apple hardware products coming soon. Ahead of Apple’s March 4 special “experience,” there are new references to two new Studio Display models as well as the oft-rumored low-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip.

Are new Mac external displays imminent?

The references were unearthed this week by Macworld inside kernel extensions (kexts) in the public release of macOS 26.3 from last week.

Those files reference three unreleased Apple product identifiers: J700, J427, and J527.

J700, as previously reported, is the codename for Apple’s rumored low-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro. This laptop is widely expected to be released next month, featuring a display under 13 inches. Bloomberg has also reported it will be made from aluminum and that Apple has tested it in multiple fun colors, including light yellow, light green, blue, pink, classic silver, and dark gray.

Perhaps more interesting, however, are the J427 and J527 model identifiers. “The differences between the two models are unclear, but the two most likely scenarios are either a larger screen size option, or a lower-end version with fewer features,” Macworld speculates.

However, this isn’t the first report to reveal those two model identifiers. Bloomberg previously referenced these model numbers last March. Here are the two possibilities Mark Gurman outlined at that time:

Apple is developing both and will choose one to launch, or it’s a second model with a different screen size or set of specifications. After all, the Pro Display XDR is getting a bit long in the tooth as well, so replacing that model may make sense

Apple currently sells two external displays, including the Studio Display (starting at $1599) and the Pro Display XDR (starting at $4999). The Studio Display launched in 2022 alongside the Mac Studio, while the Pro Display XDR launched in 2019 alongside the Mac Pro.

The fact that both of these external displays are referenced in macOS 26.3 would suggest they are distinct products still in development. Whether or not Apple has plans to release both remains to be seen. We should learn more soon, with Apple slated to announce multiple new products the week of March 2.

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