In September, along with the launch of the iPhone 15 series, Apple released iOS 17. However, it wasn’t without its flaws; it had several bugs, including issues with overheating. Apple is set to release iOS 17.1 on October 24th to address the SAR problem in the iPhone 12 in France. It’s known that the iPhone 12 has a high SAR value in France, which has been a significant concern.
The release date for iOS 17.1 is available on ANFR’s website. Apple aims to address the radiation levels in the iPhone 12 with this update. Based on the information recently shared by Apple, it’s reasonable to expect that, like all other iOS updates, it will be released globally on the same day.
France prohibited the sale of the iPhone 12 within its borders due to the high SAR values discovered during tests by ANFR. Surprisingly, ANFR determined that the iPhone 12’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) was 5.74 watts per kilogram. This value exceeds the limit established by the European Union. I never anticipated such a move from Apple. However, Apple contended that it was a software-related issue and committed to providing a resolution. By the end of the previous month, this software fix was endorsed by French authorities. As of today, the same authorities have declared its release date.
Apple clarified that the elevated SAR values were attributed to an off-body detection feature in iOS. They further asserted that ANFR’s radiation tests were flawed due to a protocol that didn’t factor in the off-body detection mechanism in the iPhone.
Apple stated that the ANFR did not correctly conduct its radiation tests. Specifically, the agency didn’t account for the off-body detection mechanism present in iPhones. This built-in feature enables iPhones to enhance their transmit power when not in contact with the body, optimizing cellular performance. Essentially, the phone recognizes when it’s not held against the body and boosts its transmitting power. However, this capability will now be disabled in France. As a consequence, the affected iPhones might experience weaker data connectivity in areas with limited coverage.
Apple emphasizes that all its products are inherently safe for use. With the iOS 17.1 update, Apple devices will no longer ramp up their transmit power upon detecting an off-body state. This could potentially lead to decreased cellular performance in regions with poor signal strength.
Apart from this, the iOS 17.1 update introduces several other enhancements to the iOS 17 platform. These include a favorites system in Apple Music, support for AirDrop over the internet, and new features allowing users to view bank and card balances in the Wallet app. Additionally, adjustments have been made to the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button. A comprehensive rundown of these updates can be found in our iOS 17.1 features guide.
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