French authorities revealed that the specific radiation absorption rate measured in a recent test of the iPhone 12 was higher than the European limit.
Hence, Apple announced that it will issue a new software update for the iPhone 12 in France after the authorities halted sales of the smartphone this week.
“We will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators. We look forward to iPhone 12 continuing to be available in France,” the company said in a statement provided to Euronews Next.
Earlier in the week, France’s National Frequency Agency (ANFR) indicated that the phone emitted too much electromagnetic radiation in a recent test.
It ordered Apple “to implement all available means to quickly remedy this malfunction” or said the government would have to recall the phones already sold in France.
The French agency, which monitors public exposure to electromagnetic waves, said the specific absorption rate (SAR) when the phone was tested was over the authorized limit.
“This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern,” Apple said in a statement provided to Euronews Next on Friday.
“Since it was introduced in 2020, iPhone 12 has been certified and recognized as meeting or exceeding all applicable SAR regulations and standards around the world,” Apple added.
Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s junior minister in charge of digital, recalled discussions with Apple’s teams since the decision to withdraw the phone from the French market this week.
“After discussions and as demanded by the ANFR, Apple assured me that it would implement an update on the iPhone 12 in the coming days,” Barrot said.
“The ANFR is prepared to quickly test this software update which would allow the model to come into compliance with European standards applied in France and lift the marketing withdrawal”.
