This week in Apple: March launch for iPhone SE 2, leaked iPhone 12 color

This week in Apple news we heard a pretty solid rumor about the launch date of the upcoming iPhone SE 2 (or iPhone 9, or whatever it might be called). The mid-range iPhone might launch as early as March 2020.

Elsewhere, we heard some news related to a new color for the iPhone 12 (shown in the unofficial mockup image above). We also heard about how Apple decided against end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, how a Manhattan DA has an iPhone-cracking lab, and how Apple will start rewarding Apple Watch owners for going to the gym.

See the Apple news roundup below for all the latest.

The top Apple news stories of the past week:

• iPhone SE 2/iPhone 9 could launch in March: The new budget-minded iPhones could launch as early as March. According to a Bloomberg report, the devices will enter mass production in February.
• iPhone 12 could come in new Navy Blue colorway: According to reliable leaker Max Weinbach (via YouTube channel EverythingApplePro), the iPhone 12 could come in a new Navy Blue colorway. You can see a mockup of that color in the image at the top of this article. According to Weinbach, this new color could replace the 2019 Midnight Green colorway.
• Apple Watch Connected program rewards you for working out: This week, Apple officially unveiled the Apple Watch Connected program. The program rewards Apple Watch users for going to the gym. For example, at participating Crunch Fitness locations, you can earn a discount off the cost of your weekly membership if you meet certain activity goals, as tracked by your Apple Watch.
• Apple decided against iCloud encryption, likely due to the FBI: According to a report this week from Reuters, Apple reportedly considered using end-to-end encryption on iCloud backups. However, the company decided against this two years ago. Although it’s not confirmed, the rumor is that Apple didn’t use encryption to get on the FBI’s good side.
• Safari might finally give Adobe Flash the axe: The latest Safari Technology Preview 99 suggests that Apple is about to completely give Adobe Flash the axe when it comes to its native Mac web browser. Theoretically, this could mean that Safari users will no longer be able to enable or install Flash, even if they want to.
• Manhattan DA has an iPhone-cracking lab: According to a new profile by Fast Company, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. built and oversees a $10 million forensics lab built specifically for cracking iPhones in criminal cases.

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.