This week in Apple: iPhone 9 design (likely fake) and launch date (likely real)

This week in Apple news we saw quite a few leaks related to the upcoming iPhone 9 (or iPhone SE 2, take your pick). An alleged real-life version of the unannounced low-cost iPhone showed up on TikTok, but don’t get your hopes up: we think this is a big fake.

In other Apple news, we heard about a supposed launch date for the iPhone 9 as well as a refreshed iPad Pro, some new information about the 5G antennas in this year’s iPhones, how the coronavirus is causing problems for Apple’s bottom line, and more!

See the Apple news roundup below for all the latest.

The top Apple news stories of the past week:

• March 30 could be launch for new cheap iPhones: According to a German tech site, Apple could unveil the iPhone 9 (or iPhones SE 2) on March 30. The devices could then appear on store shelves on April 3. As previously reported, the iPhone 9 could start as low as $399.
• “iPhone 9” leaks, likely is a fake: Speaking of the iPhone 9, a supposed “real life” version of the phone leaked on TikTok (mirrored on Twitter). However, it’s very likely this is just a modded iPhone 8 as the design does not match up with the leaks we’ve seen for the device thus far.
• iPad Pro refresh could land in March, too: Along with that new low-cost iPhone, Apple could also unveil the refresh of the iPad Pro in March. This iPad could have a similar triple-lens rear camera module as we saw on the iPhone 11 Pro.
• 5G iPhones could have Apple antennas: According to a report from Fast Company, the antenna modules that will appear in the first 5G-enabled iPhones could be produced by Apple itself. Allegedly, Apple was dissatisfied with Qualcomm’s antennas, which is what spurred the manufacturing change.
• Apple could allow different default apps, finally: You can use Chrome on an iPhone but you can’t set it as the default browser, as that’s locked to Safari. However, according to a rumor, Apple could finally let people customize the default apps on their iPhones. We’ll believe it when we see it.
• Coronavirus will likely impact Apple’s bottom line: Apple issued out a notice to investors that its quarterly revenue will likely not meet its previously stated goals due to complications resulting from the outbreak of the coronavirus. Around the world, many Apple stores have been closed for weeks.
• Unlock your car with your iPhone or Apple Watch: Apple could be working on a new “CarKey” feature that would allow you to use your Apple hardware to unlock your NFC-capable car. What’s more, you could actually share your “keys” with other people’s iPhones, digitally. It’s the future!

Thinking about making the switch?

If you are reading this Apple news article on an iOS device and thinking about making the switch to Android, we have multiple articles and guides that can help you with that process. Despite how it might seem, moving from iOS to Android is easier than ever, and many of the services and systems on iOS have similar or even the same counterparts on Android.

The best place to start would be our guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android, which goes over all the basics. We also have more specific guides, such as how to transfer your calendar from iPhone to Android. We also have app guides that will give you the best alternatives to iOS staples, such as our list of best alternatives to FaceTime on Android.

If you’re looking for a great Android device to replace your iPhone, consult our list of the best Android smartphones available now.