Published on October 26, 2023, 6:49 pm
Image source: Fox News
TLDR: France has lifted its ban on the sale of iPhone 12 in metropolitan France after Apple released an updated version of iOS that lowers the cellular modem's radio strength. However, the ban still remains in French-controlled overseas departments. Apple plans to release a future update for these regions by the end of the year. The controversy highlights the importance of following country-specific regulations for technological devices.
Apple’s iPhone 12 was recently at the center of a controversy in France. The country’s regulatory agency, Agence nationale des fréquences (ANFR), claimed that the iPhone 12 exceeded France’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for RF exposure, raising concerns about potential health risks due to radio frequency radiation.
As a result, France banned the sale of iPhone 12 on the mainland and threatened a recall. Apple responded by releasing an updated version of iOS specifically for France, which would lower the strength of the cellular modem’s radio. However, it took until October 26, 2023, for the ban to be officially lifted in metropolitan France.
Unfortunately, the ban still remains in French-controlled territories known as “overseas departments.” These regions include Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélémy, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, French Polynesia (including Tahiti), New Caledonia (including Loyalty Islands), Wallis and Futuna Islands, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
ANFR has stated that Apple plans to release a future update for these territories by the end of this year. It is worth noting that there are other French territories where it is unclear whether they were affected by the ban.
Despite the controversy and ongoing discussions regarding SAR levels and potential health risks associated with RF exposure, it should be noted that Apple’s testing had initially conformed to international industry standards.
In conclusion, France has officially accepted Apple’s iOS update and lifted its ban on sales of iPhone 12 in metropolitan France. However, the ban still remains in certain French-controlled overseas departments. This situation highlights the importance of adhering to specific regulations imposed by different countries when it comes to technological devices.
Original article posted by Fox News
