Apple to Update iPhone 12 in France Due to Radiation Concerns

Recently, French authorities have noticed that the radiation absorption rate in the iPhone 12 was higher than the European limit. 

Apple has had to issue a software update for the iPhone 12 in France as recent tests on the model show that the radiation absorption rate was beyond the European limit. 

The company said “We will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators. We look forward to iPhone 12 continuing to be available in France,” 

The National Frequency Agency in France (ANFR) said early last week, the iPhone 12 was emitting too much electromagnetic radiation in a recent test. 

It told Apple “to implement all available means to quickly remedy this malfunction” or the government would have to recall the devices already sold in France. 

The French agency that monitors the public’s exposure to electromagnetic waves, said that the specific absorption rate (SAR) was over the legal limit when the device was tested.  

The specific absorption rate measures the rate of radiofrequency energy that the human body absorbs.  

Apple also said, “This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern,” 

“Since it was introduced in 2020, iPhone 12 has been certified and recognised as meeting or exceeding all applicable SAR regulations and standards around the world,” the tech giant continued.  

Jean-Noel Barrot, the French junior minister, said that he had spoken with Apple multiple times after the decision to pull the device from the French market was actioned. 

Barrot said “After discussions and as demanded by the ANFR, Apple assured me that it would implement an update on the iPhone 12 in the coming days,” 

“The ANFR is prepared to quickly test this software update which would allow the model to come into compliance with European standards applied in France and lift the marketing withdrawal”.  

Apple told the BBC that it was contesting the ANFR’s findings. 

The tech giant said that it had given the ANFR lab results from themselves and third parties that proved the device complied with the rules. 

Jean-Noel Barrot gave Apple a two-week deadline, saying he believed there could be a “snowball effect” as France was sharing its results with other EU regulators.  

Now, Belgian, Dutch and German regulators are investigating the issues. 

The European Commission said to Euronews Next that because of the EU directive on radio equipment, the French stopping the sale of iPhone 12 devices, could result in an EU-wide ban. 

The UK and US have not announced any action after France banned the sale of the device. 

If your business needs more advice on the changing regulations on IT, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our tech experts. 

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