Apple’s latest iOS update, version 17.1, will make the iPhone 12 legal in France once again. The French regulator of radio-frequency emissions, Agence nationale des fréquences (ANFR), had temporarily banned the sale of the iPhone 12 in September. The ANFR found that the iPhone 12 exceeded the legal limit for on-body emissions, as measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). SAR refers to the amount of energy absorbed by the body from radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and varies by country. The iPhone 12 met the on-body SAR limits when it was worn or carried, but the ANFR’s test protocol required compliance even when the device was tested off-body on a static surface. Apple had disputed the findings, stating that the iPhone 12 did meet on-body SAR limits in real-life scenarios. However, the company worked on a software fix to pass the ANFR test protocol, which was approved by French regulators on September 29th and will be included in the iOS 17.1 update.
With the release of iOS 17.1, the iPhone 12 will now meet the ANFR’s on-body emissions threshold in off-body testing. This development allows Apple to resume selling the iPhone 12 in France, even though the company had already stopped selling it before the ban. The resolution of this issue brings relief to Apple and allows the company to continue offering its flagship device in the French market. It also marks an important lesson for all parties involved regarding the importance of adhering to regulatory standards and relevant testing protocols. It should be noted that if there were genuinely dangerous levels of electromagnetic emissions, it would have been ideal for this information to have been highlighted earlier.
Overall, the situation regarding the iPhone 12’s compliance with French regulations has been resolved with the software fix provided in the iOS 17.1 update. The ANFR’s test protocol required the device to meet on-body SAR limits, even in off-body testing, which Apple disputed. However, French regulators have approved the fix, ensuring that the iPhone 12 will now meet the necessary standards. This outcome benefits both Apple, as it can resume selling the device in France, and consumers who can continue to access the iPhone 12 without concerns of non-compliance with regulatory requirements. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and compliance with specific regulations in different markets to ensure the safety of devices and protect consumer interests.
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