The French government approves the iPhone 12 update that reduces radiation levels.
Macworld
French customers who expressed surprise with “Sacré bleu!” upon learning that Apple was prohibited from selling the iPhone 12 in their country due to radiation concerns can now breathe a sigh of relief. According to Reuters, France has lifted the ban after giving approval for a software update released by Apple.
In the beginning of this month, the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) alleged that the iPhone 12 released excessive amounts of radio frequency radiation, according to their investigations. The ANFR demanded Apple to cease the sale of the phone and even sent agents to Apple Stores to confirm that they were no longer available for purchase.
Apple rejected the test findings, stating that they are in compliance with multiple international standards and third-party lab tests. The permitted level of radio frequency radiation emissions is significantly lower than what is deemed harmful by scientists, ensuring safety for users. The test conducted by ANFR differs from other regulatory bodies, resulting in the removal of 42 devices from the market, with the iPhone 12 being the first iPhone to be affected.
Apple has created a solution in their software to address the ANFR’s worries. The company stated to Reuters that this is specifically related to the testing process used by French regulators and does not pose any safety concerns. Despite the iPhone 12 meeting regulations in other European Union countries, there is interest in distributing the update across the EU. It is uncertain whether Apple intends to make the update available outside of France.
The iPhone 12, released three years ago, was discontinued globally upon the launch of the iPhone 15 lineup by Apple on September 12. The only available options for purchasing an iPhone 12 from Apple are through their Certified Refurbished online store or third-party retailers.
