Apple has announced that it will issue a software update to iPhone 12 devices in France, following the suspension of sales in the country due to concerns over radiation levels. The move comes after France conducted tests that found breaches of radiation exposure limits in the iPhone 12. Apple disputed the findings, stating that the device is certified as compliant with global standards. However, the company has agreed to release a software update to accommodate the testing methods used in France. The French government has welcomed the update and expects it to allow for the resumption of iPhone 12 sales.
The issue has raised concerns in other European countries, prompting calls for similar software updates. Belgium’s state secretary for digitalisation has asked Apple to upgrade the iPhone 12 software across all EU countries, despite stating that preliminary reviews in Belgium found no danger to users. Germany is in touch with French authorities to find a European Union-wide solution, while Italy plans to request the software update for iPhone 12 devices in the country.
The Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure is conducting its own investigation and is in contact with Apple, as well as German and French authorities. The agency has received calls from concerned consumers. Meanwhile, Denmark’s Safety Authority has reassured iPhone 12 owners, stating that it will not take action following France’s findings and that it is not concerned about radiation levels from using the device.
Industry experts have emphasized that there are no safety risks, as regulatory limits are set well below harmful levels. The incident is not expected to have a significant impact, as the iPhone 12 is an older model and Apple recently launched the iPhone 15.
The software update is expected to resolve the dispute in France and potentially other European countries. Apple’s revenues in Europe totaled about $95 billion last year, making it the company’s second-largest market after the Americas.