Apple is facing new troubles in Europe

Apple has been experiencing a rough patch recently. First, the European Digital Markets Act forced Apple to share information with its competitors. Then, there was competition from Huawei and a rumored ban from the Chinese government.

According to recent news, Belgium, Germany, and Italy are preparing to follow France's lead and take measures against Apple's iPhone 12. This is because France discovered that the phone's radiation levels exceeded regulations. They immediately banned the phone and gave Apple 15 days to respond; otherwise, they would recall all iPhone 12s sold in France. Apple denied the allegations, stating that their phones have been tested by many international agencies, comply with international standards, and that there are no problems as claimed by France. However, today, the company seems to have softened their stance, stating that they will upgrade the software on these phones and then allow France to retest them to see if there are any issues.

Apple says that iPhones do not pose any safety risks. They claim that being detected with radiation exceeding standards was due to France changing their testing methods, resulting in a closer distance between the phone and the body during testing. The Chief Analyst of CCS Insights stated that ultimately this incident should be forgotten, as the harm that phones cause to the human body is well below scientifically recognized standards.

However, despite this, the aforementioned European countries still need to follow up, and other EU countries cannot remain indifferent. This is due to EU requirements. According to the rules of the single market, once France makes such a discovery, other member states must be notified. If there are no objections from other member states within three months, France's regulatory decision will become the regulation for the entire EU.

The Minister of Technology in Belgium instructed the country's communication management regulators to investigate whether the iPhone poses a health threat. Meanwhile, the German side told Reuters that they are in talks with the relevant regulating bodies in France. Currently, the investigation in Belgium is ongoing, and the German side has not responded regarding what action they plan to take next. The Financial Times pointed out that after the experience in France, Apple should comply with regulations immediately. Previously, the company did not recognize France's allegations, which led to the phone being banned. But at this level, it also reflects that the regulatory environment in Europe has not been particularly friendly to Apple recently.

This iPhone 12 incident is quite amusing. The phone has been out for three years, and now there are claims of problems. Furthermore, the iPhone 12 is no longer available on the official website, so those who wish to purchase it can only buy it through other mobile phone stores, meaning that the impact on Apple's performance is minimal.