Despite concerns raised by France over excessive radiation levels in the iPhone 12, Apple has maintained that the device is safe to use. However, the company has decided to release a software update to comply with France’s radiation testing requirements.

In a recent development, Apple has announced its plans to update the software of the iPhone 12 model after France halted sales of the device due to concerns about excessive radiation levels. Jean-Noel Barrot, a junior minister in the French government, revealed that a radiation watchdog found the device’s “specific absorption rate” slightly exceeded the legal limit. The specific absorption rate refers to the rate at which the human body absorbs energy when exposed to radio frequency.

Apple has disputed these findings and assured users that the iPhone 12 is safe to use even without any changes. However, the company has decided to comply with France’s radiation testing requirements by rolling out a software update. This update will prevent the model from using more power when in contact with static surfaces, effectively reducing transmission power levels.

In an article posted on its website, Apple explained that iPhones have included sensors for over a decade that detect when the phone is near a user’s body. This feature allows the phone to keep transmission power at lower levels. When the phone is not in close proximity to a body, such as when it is placed on a table, slightly higher levels of transmission power are used. Apple argued that the testing protocol used by L’Agence Nationale des Frequences did not take this feature into account.

“We want all iPhone 12 users to know that iPhone 12 is safe to use and always has been,” Apple stated. The company emphasized that the iPhone 12 was certified to meet worldwide energy transmission regulations and standards when it was first shipped in 2020, and no changes have been made since then that would affect energy transmission.

Despite maintaining the safety of the iPhone 12, Apple has issued a software update that disables the body-detection technology. This update will ensure that the phone operates at lower transmission power levels at all times. The update is expected to become widely available to users in France this month.

This decision by Apple highlights the company’s commitment to addressing regulatory concerns and ensuring the safety of its products. By complying with France’s radiation testing requirements, Apple aims to alleviate any fears and maintain trust among iPhone 12 users.