Apple’s Statement on the iPhone 12 Ban: Always Safe!

Aleksandra Mednikova October 11, 2023 in Apple News, iPhone Tagged iphone 12 europe, iphone 12 france, iphone 12 ios 17.1, iphone 12 latest update, iphone 12 sar - 3 Minutes

After France’s announcement that it would halt iPhone 12 sales due to radiation concerns within its borders. Apple has issued a statement on the radiation matter. France had declared that the iPhone 12 could no longer be sold in the country due to emitting radiation above European electromagnetic radiation standards in mid-September. France had also warned Apple about bringing the phone into compliance. Subsequently, Apple provided an explanation of the iPhone 12 radiation issue. Here are the details.

Apple Affirms the iPhone 12 is ‘Safe’

In mid-September, France declared the suspension of iPhone 12 sales in the country due to radiation emissions. The reason for this halt was radiation emission from the phone. France also warned Apple to make the phone compliant with European electromagnetic radiation standards.

In response to these developments, Apple announced that they would release a software update for users in France. However, the recent statement by the company shed light on the whole situation. In an article, Apple explained that they disabled the feature that allowed the iPhone to detect the environment outside the body when it is not held or placed in a pocket.

This feature will be disabled only in the iPhone 12 models sold in France. The French regulatory authority, ANFR, performed a test without considering the mechanism that detects the environment outside the body. Apple, on the other hand, asserts that this mechanism has been tested and approved internationally. Typically, iPhones are equipped with sensors that detect when they are placed on a stable surface like a table. This mechanism, used in iPhones for years, allows the phone to boost signal strength when it is not in direct contact with the body.

Apple stated that the iPhone 12 has always been safe. Consequently, after the iOS 17.1 update, the iPhone 12 models in France will no longer be able to increase their signal strength when detecting the environment outside the body beyond the allowed level. Apple has made it clear that the iPhone 12 models sold in France will remain within these safe parameters.

Ensuring International Compliance

While France’s regulatory authority ANFR conducted tests that led to concerns over the iPhone 12’s radiation emissions, Apple emphasizes that the mechanism has undergone rigorous international testing and meets the required standards. This discrepancy between national and international assessments highlights the complexity of ensuring compliance in a global marketplace.

Balancing Signal Strength and Safety

The feature that allows the iPhone to detect its environment and adjust signal strength when not in physical contact with the body is intended to enhance the user experience. However, the concerns raised by France emphasize the delicate balance between signal strength optimization and ensuring user safety.

Conclusion: Safety at the Core of Innovation

Apple’s swift response to France’s concerns showcases the company’s dedication to user safety and international standards. Apple aims to address the issue through software updates, upholding product safety, and global regulatory compliance. This incident highlights the intricate balance between user experience and regulatory adherence, a challenge for tech giants like Apple. Apple’s commitment to both safety and innovation remains at the forefront of its endeavors.