Apple’s iPhone 12 Faces Sales Suspension in France over Radiation Concerns.

• Apple
• iPhone

In a surprising turn of events, tech giant Apple has decided to update the software of its iPhone 12 for users in France. This decision comes in response to a sales suspension of the 2020 model by the country’s regulators, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR), over concerns regarding radiation levels. Apple's iPhone 12 encounters regulatory hurdles in France over radiation level concerns.

Apple Responds to Regulatory Concerns

An Apple spokesperson stated, “We will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators. We look forward to iPhone 12 continuing to be available in France.” This statement was made after ANFR ordered an immediate withdrawal of the iPhone 12 from the French market, alleging that it exceeded European radiation exposure limits.

The ANFR further ruled that for iPhone 12s already in use, Apple must adopt “all necessary corrective measures to bring the telephones into conformity as soon as possible,” or it would have to recall the devices. Apple stressed that the suspension of sales was related “to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern.”

Understanding SAR

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a metric used to measure the rate of energy absorption by the body from the source being counted, according to the French regulator. Despite concerns, experts and regulators generally advise not to worry. “Since it was introduced in 2020, iPhone 12 has been certified and recognized as meeting or exceeding all applicable SAR regulations and standards worldwide,” Apple assured.

Looking Toward the Future

France's minister for the digital economy, Jean-Noel Barrot, announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that following discussions with ANFR, Apple will be releasing an update for the iPhone 12 shortly. The update is expected to bring the iPhone 12 in line with the European standards applied in France, and the French regulator plans to test it quickly. Once the update passes the test, Apple can resume sales in France. The announcement of the sales suspension coincided with the release of Apple's newest iPhones, the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro, at its annual keynote event in California.