Apple Enhances iPhone 12 Software in Response to France's Radiation Testing

11 Oct, 2023

Apple Enhances iPhone 12 Software in Response to France's Radiation Testing

Apple announced its commitment on Tuesday to adhere to France's radiation testing standards by releasing an update that will limit the iPhone 12's power consumption when it comes into contact with static surfaces.

The move comes in response to the findings of French regulators, who asserted that the iPhone 12, available on the market for three years, emitted radiation exceeding permissible levels, leading to a halt in sales of the device in France.

In an article posted on its website, Apple provided a comprehensive explanation of the disparity between France's findings and the approvals granted in other countries where the iPhone 12 is available for sale. Apple explained that for over a decade, iPhones have been equipped with sensors to detect proximity to a user's body, enabling the device to maintain lower transmission power levels. When the phone is not in close contact with the body, such as when resting on a table, it slightly increases its transmission power.

According to Apple, the testing protocol employed by L'Agence Nationale des Frequences did not account for this feature. Therefore, Apple is issuing a software update, set to be widely available to users in France this month, to deactivate the body-detection technology. This will ensure that the phone operates at lower transmission power levels consistently.

Apple emphasized that even without the software update, the iPhone 12 remains safe to use.

"We want all iPhone 12 users to know that iPhone 12 is safe to use and always has been. iPhone 12 was certified to meet applicable worldwide energy transmission regulations and standards when it first shipped in 2020, and no changes have been made since then that would affect energy transmission," stated Apple in a release.