Apple is facing scrutiny in France over the radiation levels of its iPhone 12 model. The company has directed its tech support employees not to volunteer any information when consumers inquire about the issues, reports Bloomberg’s reliable Mark Gurman.
Employees have been instructed to state that they have no information to share if customers ask about the French government’s claims that the device exceeds electromagnetic radiation standards. Additionally, staff are to adhere to Apple’s standard two-week return policy and decline any requests for phone returns or exchanges beyond that period.
When questioned about the safety of the phone, Apple’s guidance advises employees to assure customers that all Apple products undergo rigorous testing for safety. This comes after the French government requested Apple to halt sales of the iPhone 12 earlier this week, citing tests that showed the device emits electromagnetic waves exceeding acceptable levels. France’s digital minister has given Apple a two-week deadline to resolve the issue through a software update.
Apple has contested these claims, stating that it will engage with French authorities to demonstrate the iPhone 12’s compliance. The company, based in Cupertino, California, has provided both in-house and third-party lab testing results to officials, asserting that the device falls within legal limits.
The timing of the controversy coincides with Apple’s phasing out of the iPhone 12, which was discontinued following the announcement of the iPhone 15 line. However, the French government’s stance could potentially affect millions of existing iPhone 12 users. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple sold over 100 million units of the iPhone 12 within its first seven months on the market.
In the wake of France’s initial statement, other European Union countries, including Belgium and Germany, have begun assessing the radiation levels of the iPhone 12.
Update: Apple told Reuters a software update is coming to fix this alleged radiation issue.
“We will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators. We look forward to iPhone 12 continuing to be available in France,” said Apple in a statement. “This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern.”
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So, Apple’s under the microscope for iPhone 12 radiation, but it feels like the headlines are blowing things out of proportion. Yeah, France is concerned, but Apple’s actually working with them, sharing test results, and being transparent about it all. And let’s be real, those frontline tech staff? They’re just following company protocols – they’re not holding back some secret info. So, before we buy into the hype, let’s wait for the actual facts to come out. Accusing them of hiding info? Probably not as juicy as it sounds.
Gurman has a good track record of getting access to leaked employee memos, so i think its fair that he is exposing what apple is keeping from customers
I totally agree with you. Gurman has a great track record, but that headline does seem to follow the “ominous big bad Apple” narrative, even if it’s not entirely accurate.
And let’s face it, most companies advise their frontline staff not to “volunteer” information and to stick to company protocols. That’s just common practice. Besides, those frontline staff usually don’t have any extra info beyond what’s already public.
So, what’s the fuss about exposing Apple? What are they supposedly hiding? They’ve been upfront about addressing the issue and working with French authorities to prove they’re in compliance. Seems like it’s not as shady as it’s made out to be!
I used to value a fair bit of news on this website. It used to be tech centered and interesting, based on fact, logic and actual reality.
Disheartening that this website has now turned into not only a politically motivated and biased clickbait version of itself, but now we have really dramatic titles that are mostly speculation and not based on fact. Any other news sources tell me the exact opposite and that Apple and France are working to a resolution. I haven’t found anyone else with conspiracy theories that Apple is hiding something because a few very low level workers are told to not talk about things they’re not involved in, imagine that!
can you please get your head out of Apple’s azz? stay triggered, bro
I use a pixel 6 pro. Try again buddy.
But yup, I sure am triggered for wanting factual info. Imagine that.
As someone who worked at the tech giant, this article lines up with the company’s internal messaging and guidance on issues that become headlines in the news. I worked there during the battery debacle and it was the same thing until they sorted it out and had a resolution to put it to rest. The headline might be a bit extra but the reports are likely not far from the reality internally.
Thank you for clarifying. It’s appreciated. I do think these somewhat over the top articles are a bit much but I’d be curious what Apple’s resolution may be.
As someone who worked at the tech giant, this article lines up with the company’s internal messaging and guidance on issues that become headlines in the news. I worked there during the battery debacle and it was the same thing until they sorted it out and had a resolution to put it to rest. The headline might be a bit extra but the reports are likely not far from the reality internally.
Curious, have the French government also withheld the sale of any and all tobacco products?
You know, that proven carcinogenic product that’s been available to the public forever.
Nope, but the same test has led to 42 smartphone sale stops in France this was the first time Apple was included.
So why not the iPhone 13 and 14 in France as well, and why not the UK, Germany, Austria, Ukraine, Canada, Mexico, and the United States? Also there is virtually no difference between the cellular & wifi antennae in those 3 phones.
Such a weird story.