2023-09-15 10:33:00
The matter seems to be getting back to normal. At the start of the week, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) decreed that the iPhone 12, marketed by Apple since 2020, might no longer be marketed in France. In question, an exceeding of the limit values on the electromagnetic waves emitted and absorbed by the human body.
Hard blow for Apple: the iPhone 12 banned from sale in France
Concretely, the phone in question exceeds by 1.74 watts per kilogram (w/kg) the regulatory limit value corresponding to the energy that can be absorbed by the human body when held in the hand (called SAR limbs).
The French authority therefore asked Apple to “implement all available means to quickly remedy this malfunction” on copies already sold, under penalty of a recall, she specified in a press release. In many similar cases, manufacturers update their device before reaching retirement. This was not the case for Apple, faced with this procedure for the first time.
An update to the IPhone 12
To avoid such a scenario, the Apple brand, which had two weeks to propose corrective measures, finally decided to apply an update to the iPhone 12 in France, in order to comply with European standards on the level of wave transmission, as AFP learned this Friday, September 15 from the Californian giant and the French Minister for Digital.
The latter had assured a few days earlier, in an interview with Parisianto have “confidence in the company’s sense of responsibility to comply with our rules”. But, “my mission is to make them respected. If it does not do so, I am ready to order the recall of iPhone 12s in circulation”he nevertheless added.
“After discussions and as requested [mardi] by the ANFR, the manufacturer Apple assured me that it would implement an update on the iPhone 12 in the coming days »he said this time, this Friday in a statement sent to AFP.
“We will release a software update for French users to take into account the protocol used by French regulatory authorities”an Apple spokesperson emphasized in a separate statement. “We look forward to the iPhone 12 continuing to be available in France”he added.
“ANFR is preparing to quickly test this update which would ultimately make the model compliant”also declared Jean-Noël Barrot.
No risk to human health
If Apple has decided to comply with the ANFR’s request, the phone manufacturer does not necessarily adhere to the opinion issued by the latter. Last Tuesday, he had, in fact, contested his conclusions, ensuring that the iPhone 12 complied with the standards defined around the world.
He now points the finger “the specific testing protocol used by French regulators” and denies “any security issues”. In fact, exceeding the measure is probably harmless. Besides, “the non-compliance detected did not justify an immediate recall”, assures the ANFR. Additionally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “There is currently no indication that exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic fields is dangerous for human health”.
New iPhone 15
Apple nevertheless has every interest in making this matter forget as quickly as possible. And for good reason, it came at the time of the announcement of the launch of four new iPhone 15 models, two Apple Watch connected watches, and new AirPods headphones.
Apple under high tension as it launches its iPhone 15
On September 12, the group led by Tim Cook presented the new generations of its flagship products during its major annual September marketing event, entitled this year “Wonderlust” (desire for wonder). And following the relative disappointment of the iPhone 14 last year, Apple is betting big on the reveal of the iPhone 15.
(With AFP)
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