Apple Has Recently Unveiled Its Plan to Release a Software Update iOS 17.1
Apple has recently unveiled its plan to release a software update, specifically iOS 17.1, in response to the issue of high SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values detected on the iPhone 12 devices in France. This update is expected to be accessible to all French iPhone users starting from October 24, as confirmed by France’s national regulator of frequencies, ANFR.
The decision to develop this update came after France initially prohibited the sale of iPhone 12 models in the country due to the elevated SAR values discovered by ANFR. In order to resolve this matter, Apple committed to issuing a software fix. After obtaining approval from French authorities last month, the official release date has now been announced.
Apple has identified the main cause of the high SAR values as the off-body detection feature within iOS. This functionality detects when the phone is not in contact with the body and adjusts the transmit power accordingly. However, to comply with regulations, this feature will be disabled in France following the upcoming update. While this resolves the SAR issue, it may potentially have an impact on data connectivity, particularly in edge coverage areas.
Update Will Introduce Several Noteworthy Features
In addition to addressing the SAR values, the iOS 17.1 update will introduce several noteworthy features and improvements. These include the addition of a favorites system for Apple Music, support for AirDrop over the internet, new options for bank and card balances in the Wallet app, a Dynamic Island flashlight indicator, support for the Nintendo Switch N64 Controller, enhancements for Photo Shuffle on the lock screen, and the disabling of certain Action Button features (such as Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Focus, and Magnifier) when the iPhone is placed in the user’s pocket.
With the forthcoming update, Apple aims to effectively resolve the issue of high SAR values on the iPhone 12 devices in France, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing the overall user experience.
Apple Announces iOS 17.1 Update to Address High SAR Values on iPhone 12 in France
Apple has recently made an official announcement regarding the release of an upcoming update, specifically iOS 17.1, which aims to tackle the issue of high Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values on the iPhone 12 devices in France. According to France’s national regulator of frequencies, ANFR, the update is expected to be made available to all French iPhone users on October 24.
This significant development follows France’s initial decision to ban the sale of iPhone 12 devices within the country due to the detection of high SAR values by ANFR. In response to this, Apple committed to resolving the issue by issuing a software fix. The update has since received approval from the French authorities, and its official release date has now been confirmed.
According to Apple
According to Apple, the primary cause of the elevated SAR values can be attributed to an off-body detection function within iOS. This feature is designed to detect when the phone is not in contact with the user’s body and subsequently adjusts the transmit power accordingly. However, in compliance with regulations, this particular feature will be disabled in France after the update is applied. While this resolution effectively addresses the SAR concern, it is important to note that it may potentially impact data connectivity, particularly in edge coverage areas.
Furthermore, iOS 17.1 introduces a range of additional notable features and improvements alongside the SAR value resolution. These include the introduction of a favorites system for Apple Music, support for AirDrop over the internet, new options for bank and card balances within the Wallet app, a Dynamic Island flashlight indicator, support for the Nintendo Switch N64 Controller, enhancements for Photo Shuffle on the lock screen, and the disabling of certain Action Button features (such as Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Focus, and Magnifier) when the iPhone is placed in the user’s pocket.
With the forthcoming iOS update, Apple aims to effectively address the issue of high SAR values on the iPhone 12 specifically in France, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing the overall user experience.