Apple to Address iPhone 12 Radiation Concerns with Software Update

Apple is taking swift action to tackle concerns surrounding radiation levels in its iPhone 12 models, responding to recent claims by French regulators that the devices exceed recommended radiation limits. While France temporarily halted the sale of iPhone 12s following recommendations from the country’s radiation watchdog (ANFR), Cupertino, the home of Apple, has firmly denied the allegations. Instead, Apple appears to be placing the responsibility on the testing protocols used by France, as reported by Reuters.

In Apple’s defense, the tech giant emphasizes that the situation does not pose any safety risks. The company points out that the iPhone 12 underwent certification by multiple international bodies, affirming its compliance with global radiation standards. Importantly, the forthcoming software update is not designed to adjust radiation levels, as this would require a hardware modification. Instead, its purpose is to “accommodate the protocol used by French regulators.” It seems Apple is confident that this software patch will suffice to pass future radiation tests, expressing its anticipation for the iPhone 12 to remain available in France.

France altered its regulations in 2020, introducing considerations for extremities like hands during radiation testing. This involved assessing the rate of radio-frequency energy absorbed by the body, a metric known as the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). During the SAR tests conducted in France, regulators discovered that when held in hand, the iPhone 12s exceeded permissible levels of energy absorption, despite performing well in tests involving the head and body.

In a show of support, Belgium and Denmark have come to Apple’s defense. Mathieu Michel, the Belgian minister for digitalization, found local tests reassuring and recommended against suspending iPhone 12 sales. Denmark’s Safety Authority also expressed confidence in the iPhone 12’s radiation levels. Industry experts have chimed in, asserting that the findings do not suggest any risk of burns or heatstroke caused by the phone’s radiation emissions.

France appears to accept Apple’s software solution as sufficient, with plans to resume testing as soon as the update becomes available, as revealed in a French press release uncovered by TechCrunch. Apple regularly releases software updates for its iPhone lineup, so users can expect this one to arrive shortly. Meanwhile, the tech giant is shifting its focus away from the three-year-old iPhone 12 to the eagerly awaited iPhone 15, the latest addition to its lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Radiation Concerns

What are the concerns surrounding the iPhone 12 and radiation levels?

Apple’s iPhone 12 faced concerns related to radiation levels after French regulators alleged that it exceeded recommended levels.

How did France respond to these concerns?

France temporarily stopped selling iPhone 12 models based on recommendations from its radiation watchdog (ANFR) due to the alleged radiation exceedance.

What is Apple’s response to these allegations?

Apple denies the allegations and instead points to the testing protocols used by France, asserting that the iPhone 12 meets international radiation standards.

What is the purpose of the upcoming software update?

The forthcoming software update for the iPhone 12 is not meant to adjust radiation levels; instead, it aims to “accommodate the protocol used by French regulators.”

How did France change its regulations regarding radiation testing?

In 2020, France modified its regulations to consider extremities, like hands, during radiation testing. This involved assessing the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for radio-frequency energy absorbed by the body.

What is the stance of Belgium and Denmark regarding iPhone 12 radiation levels?

Both Belgium and Denmark support Apple, with their respective authorities finding the local tests reassuring and expressing no concerns about iPhone 12 radiation levels.

What do industry experts say about the iPhone 12 radiation findings?

Industry experts have stated that the findings do not suggest any risk of burns or heatstroke caused by the iPhone 12’s radiation emissions.

When can users expect the software update to address these concerns?

Apple regularly releases software updates for its iPhones, so users can anticipate the update arriving shortly.

What is Apple’s current focus amid these concerns?

Apple is shifting its focus away from the iPhone 12 and onto its latest model, the iPhone 15.

More about Radiation Concerns