this post was submitted on 13 Sep 2023
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France bans iPhone 12 after finding radiation levels are too high (www.techspot.com)
submitted 2 years ago by root@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] ericisshort@lemmy.world 80 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

This title is so misleading. France hasn’t banned the device, and the radiation levels could likely be fixed with a software update. French officials have stated that they may prohibit sale and issue a recall IF Apple doesn’t respond to their request. The article says as much:

France's junior minister for the digital economy, Jean-Noël Barrot, told newspaper Le Parisien that a software update would be able to address the radiation issues linked to the iPhone 12. Apple has two weeks to respond to France's request, if it fails to do so, Barrot stated that he is prepared to issue a recall of the device, which went on sale in 2020.

Also, why the hell did it take French agencies 4 years to test this device? Even if Apple says they won’t update the phones and is forced to stop selling them, taking a 4 year old phone off the market won’t really hurt them in any way.

[–] Earthwormjim91@lemmy.world 19 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Apple hasn’t sold them in a few years anyway. It would only affect third party sellers.

[–] ericisshort@lemmy.world 5 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I think they still sell refurbed 12s.

[–] dpkonofa@lemmy.world 9 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Probably not after today.

[–] Maeve@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

Made my day, literally lol’d. Thanks.

[–] lenathaw@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

they do, my sister just bought one

[–] otter@lemmy.ca 9 points 2 years ago

Maybe something changed more recently to warrant a test?

The story feels like pop-science websites running with a story that's otherwise pretty boring regulatory proceedings.

[–] evatronic@lemm.ee 16 points 2 years ago

The FCC has a decent article on what the SAR (specific absorption rate) actually means.

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/specific-absorption-rate-sar-cell-phones-what-it-means-you

Tldr: France is wrong here, and no one should confuse SAR with ""radiation."

[–] Kumabear@lemmy.world 13 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Honestly not to defend apple here... but does the timing of this announcement seem a bit too convenient.

[–] otter@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 years ago

Would be weird if they waited after testing to find a good opportunity to make the announcement.

It's also not necessarily a win/loss since Apple could spin it like "we fixed it in the new one, get it"

[–] ohwhatfollyisman@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago (4 children)

as someone who's had the 12 mini for a couple of years now, what does this mean for me?

have i been irreparably harmed? is there a pressing need for me to get rid of that device?

[–] regalia@literature.cafe 8 points 2 years ago (1 children)

it means you have the 5G waves coming out of your ears

[–] kaitco@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

I thought that was from the Covid-19 vaccine!?

[–] GenEcon@lemm.ee 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Your head might have gotten a little bit warmer compared to someone using a different phone while calling, especially if you live in an area with poor coverage.

[–] ohwhatfollyisman@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

i am known for my short temper. maybe that's where i got the hot head?

[–] otter@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 years ago

Probably not, but you could look into any recalls / software updates.

I haven't read the specifics, but I think if you store it in a bag or something and don't leave it in contact with your body too long, you should be fine. If it was more serious, there would be more of an announcement

[–] Overzeetop@sopuli.xyz 2 points 2 years ago

If you or a loved one owned an iPhone 12 and have developed mesothelioma, you may be due compensation. Our lawyers are standing by to evaluate your claim so call today!

[–] droidpenguin@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

Not great but not terrible.

[–] Die4Ever@programming.dev 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Wait, they measure the wattage per kilogram of the device? Why does the weight of the device matter? Could they just increase the weight of the phone to pass the test?

[–] bcdfgh@lemm.ee 9 points 2 years ago

I believe it is per kg of body mass not the weight of the phone.