Apple Takes Action to Resolve French iPhone 12 Dispute Amid EU Scrutiny
Updated: Jan 9
Apple has announced plans to release a software update for iPhone 12 devices in France in order to address concerns over radiation levels.
The move comes after France suspended sales of the iPhone 12 following tests that found breaches of radiation exposure limits.
While Apple disputes the findings, it has agreed to issue the update to accommodate the testing methods used in France. However, other European countries have also expressed concerns, with Belgium requesting an EU-wide software update and Germany seeking a European Union-wide solution. Italy is set to make a similar request to Apple.
The dispute arose after France's Agence Nationale des Frequences (ANFR) reported that the iPhone 12's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) exceeded legally allowed levels. The French limb SAR tests, which measure radiation absorption at a distance of 0 mm, differed from tests conducted in other countries that measured absorption at a distance of 5mm. Despite the concerns raised, industry experts maintain that regulatory limits are set well below levels that pose a safety risk.
Apple's decision to issue a software update in France is seen as a step towards resolving the dispute and allowing sales of the iPhone 12 to resume. The French government has welcomed the update and stated that it will be swiftly tested. Apple has emphasized that the update is related to the specific testing protocol used in France and not a safety concern.
Apple will release a software update for iPhone 12 devices in France to address radiation level concerns.
Other European countries, including Belgium, Germany, and Italy, have also expressed concerns and may request similar updates.
The dispute arose after France found breaches of radiation exposure limits in tests conducted using a different protocol.
Industry experts maintain that regulatory limits are set well below levels that pose a safety risk.
Apple's decision to issue the update is seen as a step towards resolving the dispute and allowing sales to resume.
Source: REUTERS