Apple has announced plans to release a software update that addresses the radiation testing requirements of French regulators. This update is intended to prevent the iPhone 12 from using higher power levels when in contact with static surfaces. The move comes after French regulators claimed that the iPhone 12 emitted radiation levels exceeding permissible limits, leading to the suspension of its sales.
Explanation of Discrepancy
Apple has contested the findings of French authorities, and in a detailed article posted on its website, the company provided insights into the discrepancy between the results of France’s testing and those of other countries where the iPhone 12 is sold without issue.
The article explained that iPhones have been equipped with sensors for over a decade, allowing them to detect their proximity to a user’s body. This feature is designed to keep transmission power at lower levels when the device is close to the user. However, when the phone is not in contact with a user’s body (e.g., when placed on a table), it uses slightly higher transmission power levels.
Apple argued that the testing protocol used by L’Agence Nationale des Frequences in France did not consider this body-detection technology when assessing radiation levels.
Software Update for Compliance
In response to the French findings, Apple has developed a software update that disables the body-detection technology. This ensures that the iPhone 12 operates at lower transmission power levels at all times. The update will be made available to users in France later this month.
Apple affirmed that even without the software update, the iPhone 12 is safe to use. The company emphasized that the device was initially certified to meet global energy transmission regulations and standards when it was first released in 2020. No changes have been made to the device’s energy transmission since that time.
Apple’s decision to address France’s concerns by releasing a software update that modifies the iPhone 12’s power usage demonstrates the company’s commitment to compliance with regulatory standards. The clarification provided by Apple regarding the technology’s operation and the testing protocol aims to reassure users of the device’s safety.
This move aligns with Apple’s long-standing commitment to maintaining high product standards and ensuring that its devices meet energy transmission regulations in different regions.
