A few days ago, France’s National Frequency Agency (ANFR) banned the iPhone 12 from being sold in the country because it found that the device emits electromagnetic waves above those allowed under EU law. Its Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) was above the legal limit.
The agency gave Apple an ultimatum, telling it to use “all means” to quickly resolve the problem or recall all iPhone 12 units sold in France. Today, Apple has promised to release a software update that will resolve the issue.
It’s unclear exactly what the software update will do, but Apple is confident it will ease the French agency’s concerns and address the testing methods used in France. Unlike other countries, in France ANFR not only tests head and body SAR, but also SAR for hands and feet – like holding a phone in hand. These are the limb tests that the iPhone 12 failed.
In a statement, Apple said:
For users in France, we provide software updates to accommodate the protocol used by French controllers. We expect the iPhone 12 to continue to be available in France. This is related to the special testing protocol used by French regulators, not a security risk.
Authorities in Belgium, Germany, and Italy have asked Apple to release this update to the entire EU, so that’s what’s going to happen. The French government says the updated iPhone 12 will be tested quickly and sales will resume immediately if it is found to be within legal SAR limits.
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