Apple will update the iPhone 12 to become compliant with European rules on electromagnetic radiation, according to a report by Agence France-Presse and confirmed by Politico.
The U.S. tech giant pledged to provide a software update in the coming days, a French official from the digital ministry told Politico.
Earlier this week, the French National Frequency Agency required Apple to withdraw the device from the local market as tests showed the iPhone 12’s specific absorption rate (SAR) slightly exceeded the legal limit. SAR refers to the “measure of the rate of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body from the equipment.”
Regulators in other European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium then reportedly said they were also assessing the potential health risks.
When Apple does update the software, the French National Frequency Agency will verify whether the device is compliant with electromagnetic radiation rules, the French official added. If it’s the case, the decision to withdraw the iPhone 12 from the market will be reversed.
Digital Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, the French regulator and Apple executives met Thursday to discuss the issue.
“This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern. Since it was introduced in 2020, iPhone 12 has been certified and recognized as meeting or exceeding all applicable SAR regulations and standards around the world,” a spokesperson for Apple said.
“We will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators. We look forward to iPhone 12 continuing to be available in France,” the spokesperson added.