Apple has announced that it will update the software on iPhone 12 devices in France in order to resolve a dispute over radiation levels. This move comes after France suspended sales of the iPhone 12 due to tests that uncovered breaches of radiation exposure limits. While Apple contested the findings and stated that the iPhone 12 complies with global standards, it agreed to release a software update to accommodate the testing methods used in France.
Over the past two decades, numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential health risks of mobile phones. According to the World Health Organization, there is no evidence of adverse health effects caused by mobile phones. However, the radiation warning in France, which is based on different test results than those conducted in other countries, has raised concerns across Europe.
As a result, other European countries are also taking action. Belgium has announced that it will conduct its own review, while Germany is working with French authorities to find a solution that applies to the entire European Union. Italy is planning to ask Apple to update the software on iPhone 12 devices in their country. The Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure is also investigating the issue and has been in contact with Apple, as well as German and French authorities.
Apple’s software update has been welcomed by the French government, as it would allow for the resumption of sales of the iPhone 12 in France. Apple regularly releases software updates for its devices, mostly to address security issues. These updates can be specific to a particular model or region, and sometimes multiple updates are released in a month.
The controversy surrounding the iPhone 12’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) prompted the suspension of sales in France. SAR is a measure of the rate at which the body absorbs radiofrequency energy from a device. French regulations introduced in 2020 include SAR testing for limbs, in addition to the head and body test used in other countries. The iPhone 12 failed the limb SAR tests conducted at a distance of 0mm, while it passed the body tests conducted at a distance of 5mm. Experts have stated that there are no safety risks, as regulatory limits are set well below the levels at which harm has been observed.
Some industry analysts believe that this incident will be quickly forgotten, considering that the iPhone 12 is an older model and Apple recently launched the iPhone 15. The iPhone 12 is no longer available directly from Apple, but it can still be purchased from third-party sellers. A recall would have been a bigger issue, and France had threatened to recall the iPhone 12 if Apple did not release a software update.
Europe is a significant market for Apple, with revenues totaling approximately $95 billion last year. While the exact sales figures for the iPhone 12 in Europe are not disclosed, estimates suggest that more than 50 million units were sold in the region.
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