After France imposed a ban on the sale of Apple’s iPhone 12 devices due to concerns over electromagnetic radiation, the French authorities have received a software update from the tech giant. 

Apple faced a September 27 deadline to implement changes after French regulators ordered the suspension of sales for older iPhone 12 models, citing excessive electromagnetic radiation emissions. French authorities had warned of a potential product recall if Apple did not provide a software solution to address the radiation issue.

Following the controversy, Apple had committed to releasing a software update to address the concerns raised by French regulators. However, as of now, official communication from the ministry confirming compliance with the update is still pending, as authorities meticulously review the software patch.

The French authorities’ decision to suspend sales of iPhone 12 models came after tests conducted by France’s Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) revealed that the devices exceeded permissible radiation exposure limits. Specifically, the tests measured the smartphone’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which gauges the rate of radiofrequency absorbed by a user’s body while using the device.

ANFR reported that accredited laboratories found a SAR of 5.74 watts per kilogram when the smartphone was held or carried in a pocket. Notably, this exceeded the European standard for SAR in such scenarios, which is set at 4.0 watts per kilogram.

Apple had initially contested the French findings, asserting that the iPhone 12 had received certification from multiple international bodies as compliant with global radiation standards. However, in a significant turn of events, Apple ultimately committed to issuing a software update that would accommodate the testing methods employed in France.

As the French authorities continue their review of the software update, the outcome remains uncertain, and the future availability of iPhone 12 models in the French market hangs in the balance. 

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