Apple Expands iPhone 12 Transmission Power Adjustment Across EU

Following a dispute with France's National Frequency Agency (ANFR), Apple is rolling out a significant update for the iPhone 12 across all EU member states. This update addresses concerns raised by the ANFR regarding the device's transmission power levels, which were found to exceed local safety limits under certain conditions.

The iPhone 12, which first debuted in 2020 with 5G capabilities, faced scrutiny from the ANFR in 2023. The agency threatened to ban the device from sale in France unless Apple took corrective action. In response, Apple released a patch aimed specifically at the French market, but the update was limited to that region until now.

As of August 2025, the European Commission confirmed the validity of the ANFR's findings, prompting Apple to extend the transmission power adjustments to all EU countries. This update will ensure that the iPhone 12 complies with the EU's radiation protection standards, addressing potential health concerns for users who continue to use this older model.

Despite the rollout, Apple maintains its position that the iPhone 12 is safe for use. The company has consistently challenged the testing protocols employed by the ANFR, arguing that the requirements for compliance do not accurately reflect real-world usage scenarios. According to Apple, users can continue to use their iPhone 12 devices with confidence.

The update, part of the iOS 17.1 release, modifies how the iPhone 12 manages transmission power, particularly when the device is not in direct contact with the user's body. In practical terms, this means that during calls, the phone will no longer automatically increase its transmission power when placed on a surface away from the user.

As the update becomes available to iPhone 12 users across Europe, it represents an important step in ensuring compliance with health and safety standards while addressing the concerns raised by regulatory bodies. Apple has yet to specify the exact version number of the update, but it is expected to coincide with the upcoming iOS 18.7 release.