The European Union keeps a close eye on tech companies. This focus has already caused big changes, and now there’s another. Apple must release a software update for the iPhone 12. This update will lower its radiation levels. This move mirrors what Apple had to do in France back in 2023.
Addressing Radiation Concerns Across Europe
Apple announced recently that it will roll out a software update for iPhone 12 users. This update targets the entire European Union. Its goal is to reduce radiation levels and meet the EU’s health standards. This is the same type of fix Apple provided in France in September 2023. That earlier update made the iPhone 12 comply with a specific testing method used by French regulators.
At that time, France even told Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12. The phone’s electromagnetic absorption, known as SAR, went above the allowed limit. So, Apple had to “fix” phones already out there. This ensured they met European rules for electromagnetic radiation.
This new EU-wide update comes after a European Commission decision. The Commission published its findings this past Monday. It agreed with France’s original ruling, calling it “justified.” Apple stated that this software update will reach all 27 EU member states. Users should expect it “in the coming weeks.”
Apple’s Stance: Disagreement, But Compliance
When Apple released the update in France, it did so with a catch. The company disagreed with how regulators tested the phone. Apple claimed the French National Frequencies Agency, or ANFR, made a mistake. ANFR is in charge of radiation testing in France.
Apple said ANFR’s test method ignored a key feature: the iPhone’s “off-body detection mechanism.” Apple stated this mechanism had been “thoroughly tested and internationally verified.” They believed it was an effective way to meet SAR rules.
Apple stuck to its guns this past Monday. The company insists the French testing method had a flaw. In a statement, Apple said, “We continue to disagree with the French ANFR’s testing approach.” However, they added, “we respect the European Commission’s decision.” Apple also assured users. “Customers can use their iPhone 12 with full confidence, as they always have,” the company stated.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measures how much radiofrequency energy enters the human body and head. This happens when a mobile phone or other wireless device sends out a signal. The maximum SAR value (in Watts/kg) is what tests measure for compliance.
All mobile phone models undergo tests. These tests ensure they meet national and international limits for radiofrequency exposure. This happens before they are sold to the public.
SAR values reported for smartphones often seem higher than real-life exposure. This is because phones are tested at their highest power levels in lab settings. This ensures they pass safety checks. During daily use, phones typically do not operate at maximum power.
Devices constantly adjust to the lowest power needed to keep a call going. This helps prevent network interference. It also makes battery life and talk time last longer.