iPhone 12 Radiation Scare Resolved: Apple Rolls Out Software Fix for EU Compliance

A recent flurry of headlines put the spotlight squarely on Apple's iPhone 12, as French regulators raised alarms over its electromagnetic radiation levels. France's National Frequency Agency (ANFR) asserted that the iPhone 12, when held close to the body or in a pocket, exceeded the permissible Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits set by the European Union.

This immediate concern led to a temporary ban on sales of the device in France, sparking a ripple effect across Europe and prompting a swift response from Cupertino.

Apple, ever-vigilant of its global standing and user safety, initially pushed back on the findings. The tech giant maintained that the iPhone 12 was fully compliant with international standards, citing its sophisticated proximity sensor.

This sensor is designed to detect when the phone is held close to the body, automatically reducing its transmission power to adhere to safety guidelines. However, to put an end to the regulatory impasse and ensure uninterrupted market access, Apple agreed to implement a decisive solution.

The answer arrived in the form of a crucial software update: iOS 17.1.

This update was specifically engineered to address the ANFR's concerns by modifying how the iPhone 12 manages its power output. Effectively, the update reduces the device's transmit power when it detects that it's not resting on a surface, thereby bringing its SAR levels well within the EU's stringent limits.

This proactive step underscores Apple's commitment to both innovation and regulatory compliance.

The resolution was met with positive affirmation from the very agency that flagged the issue. ANFR has officially confirmed that with the installation of the new software, the iPhone 12 now operates within all stipulated European SAR thresholds, lifting the previous sales restriction.

While the initial focus was on France, the resolution holds significance for the entire European market, with countries like Belgium also having announced their intent to review the matter. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between technological advancement, consumer safety, and regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving world of mobile communication.