Apple's iOS 17.1 update to fix iPhone 12 radiation issue, will be rolled out next week with new 'Wallet App' & long-distance 'Airdrop' support

American tech giant Apple is set to release its iOS 17.1 update on October 24, addressing concerns raised by French authorities regarding the radiation levels of iPhone 12 models.

According to MacRumors, the Agence Nationale Des Fréquences (ANFR) in France had temporarily banned the sale of iPhone 12 due to excessive electromagnetic radiation emissions.

The Cupertino-based company, in response, developed a software update validated by ANFR, ensuring compliance with the regulatory limit of 4 W/kg.


"Apple has committed to deploy an update in France," reads a translation of the update, which is in French, reported MacRumors. "This fix will be available to all users no later than October 24."

Disabling Off-Body Detection

Apple clarified that the off-body detection mechanism in iPhones, which boosts transmit power for improved cellular performance, led to increased radiation.

Despite Apple's assertion that the feature met international SAR requirements, the company decided to disable this function in the upcoming update, aligning with ANFR's requirements.

Use AirDrop Even When Far

Alongside resolving the radiation issue, iOS 17.1 brings a range of new features designed to enhance user experience. Users can now favourite songs, albums, playlists, or artists within the Apple Music app, allowing for better customisation and recommendations.

Additionally, AirDrop introduces an 'Out of Range' option, enabling file transfers even when devices are not in close proximity, and utilising Wi-Fi or cellular data for seamless sharing.

Streamline Finances With Wallet App

Apple also introduced a convenient feature for iPhone users in the UK, allowing them to add select debit and credit cards to the Wallet app. This enables users to monitor their card balances and view recent transactions directly from the app.

The iOS 17.1 update aligns with France's specific energy transmission standards, ensuring that iPhone 12 users in the country will receive the update no later than October 24.

Globally, this update will be available simultaneously, providing users with improved functionality and addressing regulatory concerns.