As anticipated, Apple is set to address the concerns raised by France’s radiation watchdog. Known as ANFR, through a forthcoming software update for its iPhone 12 model. Earlier this week, ANFR issued a public statement asserting that the iPhone 12 was in violation of radiation level standards. In response, they urged Apple to temporarily halt iPhone 12 sales in France and promptly provide a solution.
An Apple spokesperson conveyed to Reuters, AFP, and Euro news that.
“We will release a software update for users in France to align with the testing protocol employed by French regulators. We remain committed to making the iPhone 12 available in France. It is important to note that this pertains to a specific testing protocol utilized by French regulators and does not relate to safety concerns.”
A spokesperson
When a phone manufacturer introduces a new device. ANFR conducts various tests to measure Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) in their laboratories. This practice is customary among hardware manufacturers worldwide.
For instance. The European Union stipulates that the human body should not absorb more than 2 watts per kilogram (W/kg) of radiation over 10 grams of tissue. This standard simulates the conditions when a user holds a phone to their ear.
ANFR’s SAR Evaluation
While the iPhone 12 complies with this threshold, ANFR scrutinizes a different SAR concerning the extremities. In this case, ANFR assessed an SAR of 5.74 W/kg, surpassing the limit of 4 W/kg. This oversight raised eyebrows.
Numerous experts emphasized that the iPhone 12 still remains well below the radiation limit that poses serious health risks. Nevertheless, it is imperative to rectify any deviations from established standards.
Amidst the buzz surrounding Apple’s recent phone releases, the iPhone 12’s radiation levels quickly became the focal point of attention. A French government official granted an interview, and Reuters sought to amplify the issue. Concurrently, the Dutch digital watchdog sought clarification, Belgium initiated its own review, and even Germany’s telecom regulator reached out to their French counterparts.
From the outset, ANFR asserted that the matter could be resolved through a software update, thereby aligning the iPhone 12 with regulatory requirements. This approach was favored over the drastic measure of recalling all iPhone 12 units in France, a scenario Apple aims to avoid at all costs.
In essence, the regulator’s assessment appears to be on point, while the surrounding commotion amounts to mere noise. In a few days, this issue is expected to be rectified, and in a few weeks, it will likely fade into obscurity.
