A couple of days ago, the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) banned the sale of the iPhone 12 in the country because it found that the device emits more electromagnetic waves than allowed under EU regulations. Its specific absorption rate (SAR) was above the legal limit.
The agency gave Apple an ultimatum, telling it to use “all available means” to quickly resolve the issue or face the recall of all iPhone 12 units ever sold in France. Apple responded today, promising to release a software update that will resolve the controversy.
It’s unclear what exactly the software update will do, but Apple is confident it will alleviate the French agency’s concerns and adapt to testing methods used in France. Unlike other countries, in France the ANFR not only carries out SAR tests on the head and body, but also on the limbs, such as when holding a phone. These are the limb tests that the iPhone 12 failed.
In a statement, Apple said:
We will release a software update for users in France to adapt it to the protocol used by French regulators. We hope that iPhone 12 continues to be available in France. This is linked to a specific testing protocol used by French regulatory authorities and does not constitute a safety issue.
Officials in Belgium, Germany, and Italy have asked Apple to release this update to the entire EU, so that’s probably what will happen. The French government said that the iPhone 12 will be quickly retested after the update is released, and if it is found to be within legal SAR limits, sales will resume immediately.
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