Apple to issue iPhone 12 software fix in France to address radiation concerns
Apple just announced that it will roll out a software update for iPhone 12 users in France to address purported radiation concerns.
The three-year-old Apple iPhone 12 has become the subject of concern among European countries after French watchdog group Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) claimed the device exceeds legal radiation exposure limits.
The French government believes a software update should fix the radiation issues, and was initially “prepared to order a recall of all iPhone 12 models in circulation” if Apple did not comply with its demand. Nonetheless, the French government will continue its review of the iPhone 12 and other models.
Earlier this week, ANFR requested Apple to stop the sales of the iPhone 12 in France after tests revealed the device’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) – a gauge of the rate of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body from an equipment – breaches EU rules. Apple still rejects ANFR’s claims and states that the iPhone 12 was certified by different international agencies as compliant with global radiation standards.
Industry experts told Reuters that there is no cause of concern as the SAR regulatory limits are already set well beyond the level at which scientists found evidence of harm. In fact, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) – which sets global guidelines on SAR limits, say it is not putting anyone at risk “from a health and safety point of view”.
Despite the ICNIRP’s assurances, more European countries have joined France in expressing their concerns over the iPhone 12. Belgium says it is reviewing potential health risks linked to the iPhone 12 while German regulators are reportedly investigating the matter. A Spanish consumer group is pushing for a sales ban of the iPhone 12 in the country.
While testing methods may differ from country to country, it is important to note that the World Health Organisation states that no adverse health effects have been linked to mobile phone usage.
Source: Reuters (1) (2) (3)
