Apple is set to release an update for its iPhone 12 in France following concerns about radiation levels, as announced by the country's digital minister, Jean-Noel Barrot.
Sales of the iPhone 12 were temporarily halted in France after regulatory authorities detected higher levels of electromagnetic radiation than allowed. Apple was instructed to address this issue promptly.
Apple has clarified that this software update will exclusively apply to users in France, citing the presence of a specific testing protocol in the country. The company asserts that the radiation findings were a result of this testing regime and do not pose any safety concerns.
However, this development raises questions about the fate of iPhone 12 in other countries, as concerns over its radiation emissions emerge. Mr. Barrot emphasized that the radio frequency regulator (ANFR) would evaluate the update's compliance before permitting the iPhone 12 to be sold in France again.
It's worth noting that the World Health Organization has previously stated that low-level electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by mobile phones, do not present evidence of harm to humans.
In response, Apple conveyed to AFP news agency that the radiation findings in France were linked to the specific testing protocol employed by French regulators and not indicative of any safety issues. The company emphasized that the iPhone 12 adheres to emissions regulations worldwide and will issue a software update to align with the French regulatory protocol.
The ANFR had previously informed Apple that if the issue could not be resolved via a software update, a recall of all iPhone 12 units sold in France might be necessary. This move was prompted by the regulator's discovery that the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12 exceeded the legal limit in France.
The iPhone 12, initially released in September 2020, continues to be available for purchase worldwide.
Furthermore, it's important to note that France's action has sparked the interest of European regulators. Regulators from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany have also initiated investigations into the matter. Germany's BNetzA network agency has indicated that the French investigation could result in measures that apply to all EU member states.
At present, the UK and US have not announced any specific actions in response to the French ban. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. And don't forget to subscribe for more news.