According to French officials, the recent test conducted on the iPhone 12 revealed that its specific absorption rate surpasses the limits set by European standards.
After French authorities halted sales of the iPhone 12 this week, Apple announced on Friday that they will be releasing a new software update specifically for France.
In a statement to Euronews Next, the company stated that they will be providing a software update to users in France in order to comply with the standards set by French regulators. They expressed their anticipation for the availability of the iPhone 12 in France.
At the start of the week, France’s National Frequency Agency (ANFR) reported that during a recent test, the phone emitted a significant amount of electromagnetic radiation.
The French government instructed Apple to take immediate action in rectifying the defect, or else they would be required to recall the iPhones that have already been sold in France.
According to the French agency responsible for monitoring public exposure to electromagnetic waves, the phone tested exceeded the authorized limits for specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR is a measure of the rate at which the human body absorbs radiofrequency energy.
On Friday, Apple informed Euronews Next that the matter pertains to a particular testing protocol employed by French regulators and does not pose any security risks.
Apple stated that the iPhone 12 has received certification and acknowledgment for meeting or surpassing all relevant SAR regulations and standards globally since its release in 2020.
EU-wide ban likely
After the recent decision to remove the phones from the French market, Jean-Noel Barrot, France’s junior minister responsible for digital affairs, disclosed that he has engaged in multiple discussions with Apple teams.
Barrot stated that Apple has confirmed they will be implementing an update on the iPhone 12 in the coming days, after discussions and in compliance with ANFR’s request.
ANFR is prepared to swiftly conduct testing on this software update, which will bring the model into alignment with the European standards enforced in France and lift the marketing recall.
Euronews Next received confirmation from the European Commission that the current French prohibition on iPhone 12 sales may potentially lead to a ban across the entire European Union. This is primarily due to an EU directive concerning radio equipment.
Apple first released the iPhone 12 in 2020 and has recently organized a launch event in California, USA to introduce the iPhone 15.
The latest iPhone now features a USB-C charger, following the enactment of a law by European lawmakers in order to address the requirement of a unified charging solution for all electronic devices.
