Tech giant Apple is in the spotlight after sales of its “iPhone 12” In France. In fact, a level of electromagnetic radiation higher than the norm was detected. Apple reacted quickly, announcing an update aimed specifically at French users, due to a particular testing protocol adopted in the country.
Apple's defense insists these findings are "not a security concern." According to them, this alert would be linked to the unique testing protocol used in France. They communicated to AFP that the concern about radiation was not a safety issue, but stemmed from French evaluation methods.
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Beyond French borders, the impact of this affair could be significant. The iPhone 12, launched in September 2020, is sold globally. Following the French decision, regulators in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany have expressed their intention to also examine the situation. The German agency BNetzA stressed that the conclusions of the French investigation could influence all EU member states.
Increased pressure on Apple is manifesting itself with the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) which warned the firm that in the absence of a software solution, a complete recall of iPhone 12s sold in France would be necessary. It is the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12, higher than the French limit, which triggered these concerns.
However, it should be noted that the World Health Organization is trying to calm things down, saying that there is no evidence that weak electromagnetic fields harm human health. While Mr. Barrot, the French digital minister, gave Apple a two-week ultimatum, the outcome of this controversy and its impact on Apple's global reputation remains to be determined.