This week, France suspended sales of the iPhone 12 after tests showed the device violated radiation exposure limits. Apple disputed this, saying the iPhone 12 had been certified by multiple international agencies to comply with global standards. However, on September 15, the “bitten apple” relented, saying it would release a software update to comply with the testing methods used by France.
Experts have conducted a large number of studies over the past two decades to assess the health risks of mobile phones. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no adverse health effects have been identified from the devices.
However, the radiation warning in France, based on different test results than those in other countries, has caused concern across Europe. Belgium's digital chief said he had asked Apple to update the iPhone 12 software in EU countries, even though his own preliminary assessments showed the phone posed no risk to users.
Germany has contacted French authorities to find a region-wide solution, while Italy is said to have asked Apple to upgrade the software for the iPhone 12 there, according to Reuters sources.
The Dutch Digital Infrastructure Agency said it would launch its own investigation, expected in the next two weeks, and was in contact with Apple as well as German and French authorities. The authority has also received calls from concerned customers.
In contrast, Denmark reassured iPhone 12 owners, saying that based on the information available, the country's health authorities said the devices could still be used without concern.
The French government welcomes Apple’s software update and will review it promptly. Meanwhile, Apple hopes to resume selling the iPhone 12 there. “This is related to the specific testing protocol used by France, not a safety issue,” Apple said in a statement.
Apple periodically releases software updates for its phones and computers, mostly to patch security flaws. They focus on a particular model or region, sometimes several upgrades a month.
Apple launched the iPhone 15 on September 12 and is not currently selling the iPhone 12 directly. Customers can only buy the iPhone 12 from third-party stores that have stock or buy used. The bigger problem is that France has threatened to recall the device if Apple refuses to release the update.
In 2022, Apple's revenue in Europe will be around $95 billion. This is the second largest market for the "bitten apple" after the US. Some experts estimate that the company sold more than 50 million iPhones last year in the old continent.
(According to Reuters)
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