One sentence summary – France has ordered Apple to update the software of its iPhone 12 model after concerns were raised by the French radiation watchdog, ANFR, regarding electromagnetic wave absorption; failure to comply could have resulted in a ban on sales across the EU, but Apple has agreed to issue the update, although specific changes have not been disclosed.
At a glance
- France has ordered Apple to update the iPhone 12 software due to concerns raised by the French radiation watchdog.
- Apple claims the phone is safe and blames the specific testing protocol used by the French agency.
- Failure to comply with the update could have led to a ban on sales across the EU.
- Apple has agreed to issue a software update for iPhone 12 users in France in response to the concerns raised by regulators.
- If the issue cannot be resolved through a software update, Apple may be required to recall all iPhone 12 devices sold in France.
The details
France has ordered Apple to update the iPhone 12 software due to concerns raised by the French radiation watchdog.
The move follows an order to halt sales of the device in France after it failed one of two tests for electromagnetic waves absorbed by the body.
Apple claims the phone is safe and blames the specific testing protocol used by the French agency.
However, failure to comply with the update could have led to a ban on sales across the EU.
Apple has agreed to issue a software update for iPhone 12 users in France in response to the concerns raised by regulators.
The company, however, has not provided further details regarding the specific changes that will be made.
The French radiation watchdog, ANFR, found that the iPhone 12 emitted 5.74 watts of energy per kilogram when in close contact with the body, exceeding the EU standard of four watts.
This prompted the order to halt sales and demand a software update.
While Apple is contesting the ANFR’s review, it has agreed to comply with the update to avoid a broader ban.
The company claims the iPhone 12 complies with all relevant regulations and international certifications.
If the issue cannot be resolved through a software update, Apple may be required to recall all iPhone 12 devices sold in France.
The company has a two-week deadline to respond to the concerns raised.
France’s digital affairs minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, stated that radiation levels from the iPhone 12 exceeded acceptable thresholds.
However, he also mentioned that the levels are still lower than what is considered harmful, and the testing conditions may not reflect typical phone use.
France plans to share its findings with other regulators within the EU, potentially leading to similar actions being taken in other countries.
Apple’s compliance with the update prevents the ban from extending beyond France.
The World Health Organization has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that low-level electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones, classified as possible carcinogens, are harmful to humans.
The news of France’s order coincided with the unveiling of Apple’s iPhone 15, which features an alternative charging port.
China’s foreign ministry denied reports of instructing staff to stop using iPhones, clarifying that there are no laws or regulations blocking the use of Apple products in China.
The French government’s order for Apple to update the iPhone 12 software in response to concerns over radiation emissions highlights the importance of addressing potential health risks associated with mobile devices.
While Apple disputes the findings, complying with the software update avoids a broader ban on sales across the EU.
The impact of France’s actions may extend to other countries within the trading bloc, as the findings are shared with regulators.
As the debate continues, experts recommend using earphones or texting to reduce cellphone radiation exposure.
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| independent.co.uk |
|---|
| – Apple will update the iPhone 12 in France due to concerns about radiation emissions. – |
| The update is in response to regulators’ concerns and follows an order to stop selling the phone in France. – Apple claims that the iPhone 12 is safe and has passed tests in other countries, blaming the specific testing protocol used by the French agency. – |
| The French agency found that the iPhone 12 failed one of two tests for electromagnetic waves absorbed by the body. – France’s government ordered a sales halt and demanded a software update from Apple to address the issue. – Apple has agreed to issue a software update for users in France but did not provide further details. – |
| The French ban could have extended to all EU countries if Apple had not complied with the update. – France’s digital affairs minister stated that the iPhone 12’s radiation levels are lower than what is considered harmful, and the testing does not reflect typical phone use. – Cellphones are classified as possible carcinogens by the World Health Organization, but the radiation they emit is different from more harmful types. – Experts recommend using earphones or texting to reduce cellphone radiation exposure. |
| bbc.co.uk |
|---|
| – France has ordered Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12 due to excessive electromagnetic radiation. – |
| The French watchdog, ANFR, has also instructed Apple to fix existing phones. – |
| If the issue cannot be resolved through a software update, Apple may have to recall all iPhone 12 devices sold in France. – |
| The World Health Organization has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that low-level electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones are harmful to humans. – |
| The iPhone 12 was released in September 2020 and is still sold globally. |
| – Apple is contesting the ANFR’s review and claims that the device is compliant with all relevant regulations. |
| – France’s digital minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, stated that the decision was based on radiation levels exceeding the acceptable threshold. |
| – Apple has two weeks to respond, and failure to do so may result in a recall of all iPhone 12 devices in circulation. |
| – France plans to share its findings with other regulators in the trading bloc, potentially leading to similar actions. – |
| The ANFR checks the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of devices against two different usage scenarios. – |
| The iPhone 12’s SAR for close contact with the body exceeded the limit, while the SAR for slightly further distances was within the threshold. – |
| The news broke on the same day that Apple unveiled its new iPhone 15, which features an alternative charging port. – China’s foreign ministry denied reports claiming that government agencies had instructed staff to stop using iPhones, stating that there are no laws or regulations blocking the use of Apple products in China. |
| news.sky.com |
|---|
| – France is considering banning the sale of iPhone 12 due to concerns about excessive radiation levels. – |
| The specific absorption rate of the iPhone 12 was found to be slightly higher than legally allowed by France’s radiation watchdog. – Apple disputes the findings and claims that the iPhone 12 is certified by multiple international bodies and compliant with radiation regulations and standards. – |
| The French watchdog found that the iPhone 12 emits 5.74 watts of energy per kilogram when inside someone’s pocket, above the EU standard of four watts. – Higher rates of radiation absorption may increase the risk of some cancers, according to scientific studies. – France’s junior minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, suggests that a software update could bring the iPhone 12 in line with regulations. |
| – Apple has been given a two-week deadline to respond to the concerns raised by France. – |
| If Apple fails to address the issue, a recall of all iPhone 12 devices in circulation may be ordered. |
| – France plans to share its findings with other EU members, potentially leading to similar actions being taken. |
| – Apple intends to contest the results of the French review and continue working to prove its compliance. – |
| The dispute coincides with the launch of Apple’s iPhone 15 range, which will replace the lightning charging port with a USB-C port to comply with EU rules. – |
| The EU has mandated that all portable electronics should have a USB-C port by the end of 2024 to reduce electronic waste. |
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