Apple Responds to Radiation Concerns in France with iPhone 12 Patch

By Maggie On Sep 16, 2023

Apple is addressing alleged radiation concerns in the iPhone 12 by developing a fix, but it’s currently only available to customers in France. Should you be worried? According to Apple, this is not necessary. They claim that the iPhone 12 is safe and has passed regulatory tests worldwide, except in France. The patch is intended to address a specific testing protocol unique to France.

The problem arose in France when regulators there threatened to initiate a recall over concerns that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the iPhone 12 exceeded European Union limits. Apple says the device is safe and points out that France is the only EU country out of 27 to have raised the issue since the phone launched in 2020. It says the problem is linked to a specific testing procedure used only by the French government.

The French regulatory agency ANFR (Agence Nationale des fréquences) announced that the iPhone 12 failed one of the two tests used to determine the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The issue has attracted the attention of other EU member states, including Belgium, Germany, and Italy, who are closely monitoring the situation.

Apple initially challenged the regulatory order, but has since decided to release a software update for users in France that complies with the French testing protocol. Apple said: “We will issue a software update for users in France to comply with the protocol used by French regulatory authorities,” adding: “We look forward to iPhone 12 continuing to be available in France.”

The exact details of the fix and whether it will affect the device’s signal reception or performance remain unclear as Apple has not provided details. ANFR is currently testing 140 different phones to ensure SAR levels meet EU guidelines.

The ban on iPhone 12 sales has been in effect since September 12, coinciding with Apple’s announcement of its latest iPhone 15 series, which will launch on September 22. Cupertino does not expect this radiation issue to affect sales of new devices. However, they expect French regulators to retest the iPhone 12 shortly after applying the update, which will lead to the lifting of the sales ban and hopefully close the issue.