Apple rolled out iOS 17 last month, bringing iterative changes and a few new features for iPhone users. The latest operating system has already had updates, with iOS 17.0.3 fixing the overheating issue on iPhone 15 Pro. Now, the Cupertino, California-based company is reportedly preparing to release iOS 17.1. According to a French regulatory body that oversees wireless communications, Apple will roll out the next iOS update by October 24. It’s worth noting that the update will specifically address radiation levels on the iPhone 12 in France. In September, France’s watchdog had flagged the iPhone 12 for allegedly violating European radiation exposure limits.
According to an update from The Agence Nationale des Frequences (ANFR) on its website (via iPhoneSoft), Apple has already developed the software update, which has also been validated by the agency. The update brings the specific absorption rates (SAR) of iPhone 12 within the European permitted limit. According to ANFR, the update has already been rolled out to some beta testers over the past week, and a broader rollout for all iPhone 12 users will begin on October 24.
ANFR also confirmed that iPhone 12 sales will remain banned in France until the update is released to the public. In September, ANFR banned Apple from selling the iPhone 12 after tests showed the model’s SAR values were just above the legal limit. The ANFR conducted tests on a total of 141 smartphones, including the iPhone 12 purchased in stores in France. Two of those iPhone models showed SAR values above the European Union’s permitted limit. The EU sets specific safety thresholds for the SAR values of devices, which scientific research has shown may be associated with an increased risk of cancer.
After an initial denial, Apple had promised to release an iOS update to address concerns about radiation levels on iPhone 12 models in France. The upcoming update will specifically address the issue.
With the launch of the latest iPhone 15 series, Apple recently stopped selling the iPhone 12 along with iPhone 14 Pro models and the iPhone 13 Mini in India.
Earlier this month, the iPhone maker also started rolling out the iOS 16.7.1 update for older models, fixing two security flaws.
