Apple will update its iPhone 12 in France in response to concerns about radiation, according to the country’s minister of digital affairs.
Within the next few days, according to Jean-Noel Barrot, Apple will distribute a software update to customers located in the country.
In France, the iPhone 12 was pulled from shelves after a government agency found that it emitted an unsafe level of electromagnetic radiation. Apple was given instructions to resolve the issue.
The company stated that the new version would only be applicable to users in France because there was already a predetermined testing methodology in place in that country.
It was suggested by the American tech giant that the radiation findings were the consequence of that testing protocol, and that it was “not a safety concern.”
The expected update raises worries over Apple’s ambitions for the iPhone 12, which was sold internationally just three short years ago.
Before the iPhone 12 can go back on sale in the country, according to Mr. Barrot, the radio frequency regulator in the country, the ANFR, will test the latest update to ensure that it complies with the regulations.
In the past, the World Health Organization has attempted to calm people’s concerns regarding the radiation that is emitted by mobile phones.
On its website, the company claims that there is no evidence to support the hypothesis that exposing individuals to low-level electromagnetic fields is damaging to their health.
Apple explained the radiation result in France by saying it was “related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern” in a statement that was delivered to the AFP news agency.
The company stated that the iPhone 12 met with emissions regulations around the world, but that it will “issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators.”
The ANFR had previously informed Apple that it would be required to recall every single iPhone 12 that was sold in the nation if it was unable to remedy the issue by means of a software update.
The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12 was determined by the regulatory body to be higher than what is permitted by law in France.
The iPhone 12 smartphone made its debut in September of 2020, and it is still available for purchase across the globe.
Sales of Apple’s iPhone 12 have been halted in France due to radiation concerns.
The radiation warning for the iPhone 12 is being investigated by European authorities.
5G has been deemed safe by scientists, but it must comply with stricter radiation regulations.
Earlier this week, Apple confirmed to BBC News that it will be challenging the ANFR’s review.
It stated that it had presented the regulatory body with test findings from both itself and from third parties, which, according to it, demonstrated that the device was in compliance with all of the applicable regulations.
However, Mr. Barrot has given Apple a deadline of two weeks, and he has stated that he believes there may be “a snowball effect” as a result of France sharing its findings with other regulators throughout the European Union (EU).
On Thursday, authorities in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium all said that they were beginning their own investigations into the matter.
According to the BNetzA network agency in Germany, which spoke with the BBC, the probe being conducted in France could result in regulations that would apply to all member states of the EU.
After the French ban, the United Kingdom and the United States have not declared any further action.
