Confirmed by Apple: iPhone update reduces cellular transmission power, may cause problems in certain situations

In a previous article, we reported that the iPhone 12 had been affected by a sales ban in France due to excessive radiation levels. Apple recently released an update to fix this issue, which has also been accepted by the ANFR. We assumed that this update would lead to reduced transmission power and thus to problems in certain cases. This has now been confirmed by Apple.

Specifically, the company states in a detailed support article that the iOS 17.1 update for iPhone 12 users in France also causes a reduction in transmission power. Apple notes that poorer cellular performance may occur in areas with weaker cellular coverage. This applies to certain situations when the smartphone is away from the body and is placed on a table, for example. In most cases, however, the effects should not be noticeable. Apple is referring to French users only; it is still unclear whether this update will possibly be rolled out across Europe.

In the article, Apple elaborates on the technical aspects of the matter in more detail. The iPhone 12 contains sensors that are able to detect whether it is in your pocket or hand or on a solid surface such as a table. If proximity to the body is ruled out, the transmission power is increased. 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 correspond to international standards, Apple claims.