Confirmation from Apple: iPhone update reduces cellular transmission power, which could cause issues in certain situations

We mentioned in a previous article thatiPhone 12 Affected by a sales ban in France due to excessive radiation levels. Apple recently released an update to correct this issue, which has also been accepted by ANFR. We have assumed that this update will result in a decrease in transmission power and thus problems in some cases. This was confirmed by Apple.

Specifically, the company mentions it in a detailed support article about https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT213923 The iOS 17.1 update for iPhone 12 users in France also results in a decrease in transmission power. Apple says reduced cellular performance may occur in areas with weaker cellular coverage. This applies to certain situations when the smartphone is held 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 develops the technical aspects of the issue in more detail. The iPhone 12 has sensors that can detect whether it is in your pocket, in your hand, or on a hard surface like a table. If proximity to the body is excluded, the transmission power is increased. According to Apple, the French ANFR’s specific testing protocol requires compliance with specific, more stringent absorption rates, even when the iPhone is placed on a table. Apple claims that this testing protocol does not meet international standards.