Apple to lower iPhone 12 radio power across EU

Apple announced on Monday that it will release a software update for iPhone 12 devices across the EU to reduce the power of their radio transmitters, following confirmation from Brussels that the phones do not meet health standards.

The update, expected “in the coming weeks,” aligns with a 2023 adjustment previously applied in France after testing by the country’s ANFR radio frequency authority.

“We continue to disagree with the French ANFR’s testing method, but we respect the European Commission’s decision,” Apple said in a statement. “Customers can continue to use their iPhone 12 with full confidence, as they always have.”

In September 2023, the ANFR had ordered a halt on iPhone 12 sales due to excessive electromagnetic emissions absorbed by the human body when the device is held in hand. Apple responded with a software fix, but it was initially limited to France.

The European Commission confirmed the ANFR’s findings and the corrective steps in its August 19 decision, published Monday in the Official Journal, describing them as “justified.”