Apple Responds to iPhone 12’s Ban in the French Market

A few days ago, the National Frequency Agency of France banned the sale of Apple iPhone 12. The reason behind the ban is that the phone was found to be emitting more radiation than the permitted electromagnetic waves according to the EU regulations.

For those wondering, according to the EU regulations, the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit for electromagnetic waves is 2 watts per kilogram. Apple iPhone 12 exceeded this rate, which made the National Frequency Agency of France give an ultimatum to Apple.

As per the ultimatum, Apple must use “all available means” to resolve the radiation issue of the iPhone 12 as fast as possible. If Apple fails, Apple must recall all the units sold in France. Apple responded to this ultimatum and promised to solve the issue with a software update.

Which Test Did the Apple iPhone 12 Fail, and What Did Apple Say Regarding It?

The thing is, unlike other countries, the French agency has a strict protocol. It performs a number of tests to determine whether a device is meeting the SAR limitation.

These tests don’t only include the head and boy but also the limbs. In other words, the tests consider the radiation amount when you’re holding the phone in your hand. And the iPhone 12 failed in the limb test. But Apple says that you shouldn’t be worrying too much regarding this.

In a statement, Apple said, “We will issue a software update for (iPhone 12) users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators.” Apple continues, “This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern.” Officials from Germany, Belgium, and Italy have asked Apple to issue the update to the whole of the EU. So, the update should roll out across the entire EU market. Once the update rolls out, the National Frequency Agency of France will re-evaluate the phone to see whether it passes the tests. We will keep you updated about the matter after the agency re-tests the phone. So, stay tuned.