In a previous article, we reported that the iPhone 12 was subject to a sales ban in France due to excessive radiation levels. Apple recently released an update to address this issue, which was also accepted by ANFR. We assumed that this update would lead to a reduction in transmission power and thus cause problems in some cases. This was confirmed by Apple.
Specifically, the company states in a detailed support article at https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT213923 that the iOS 17.1 update for iPhone 12 users in France also entails a reduction in transmission power. According to Apple, areas with weaker cellular coverage may experience lower cellular performance. This applies to certain situations when the smartphone is moved away from the body and placed on a table, for example. However, in most cases the effects should not be noticeable. Apple only refers to French users; It is not yet clear whether this update will eventually be rolled out across Europe.
In the article, Apple goes into more detail about the technical aspects of the problem. The iPhone 12 has sensors that can detect whether it is in your pocket, in your hand, or on a solid surface like a table. If physical proximity is excluded, the transmission power increases. According to Apple, the French ANFR’s specific testing protocol requires compliance with stricter specific absorption rates, even when the iPhone is placed on a table. This testing protocol does not meet international standards, Apple claims.