After indicating that it will release a software update for iPhone 12 phone users in France to address radiation concerns raised by regulators in that country, Belgium has asked Apple to follow up on the measure across the European Union.
Belgium’s Secretary of State for Digitalization, Mathieu Michel, said today that Apple has been asked to update its iPhone 12 software in EU countries, according to Interface News. However, he also said that according to a preliminary review by Belgian regulators, the phone does not pose a danger to users and there is no need for a recall.
Citing a previous report by Reuters, French Deputy Minister for the Digital Economy Ben Barrow said on Tuesday that Apple must stop selling its iPhone 12 handset in France because the phone’s radiation levels exceeded those allowed by law. Subsequently, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries have also said that they will ask telecom regulators to investigate potential health risks associated with the iPhone 12.
In a statement earlier today, Apple said the company will release a software update for iPhone 12 users in France to accommodate the protocols used by French regulators, and that Apple expects the iPhone 12 to continue to be sold in the French market. The company added: “This is related to a specific testing protocol used by the French regulator, not a security issue.”
In response, French regulator ANFR said it would test the software update provided by Apple. If it has an effect on the electromagnetic waves emitted by the device, making the model (iPhone 12) compliant with the European standards applicable in France, ANFR will cancel the order to withdraw it from the market.
