Apple enthusiasts and iPhone users are eagerly anticipating the arrival of iOS 17.1, and the release date is officially on the horizon. According to information from the French regulatory group ANFR, the much-anticipated update is poised to be unleashed to the public by October 24, and it brings with it a range of changes and improvements. In this article, we’ll delve into what’s in store with iOS 17.1.
1. Addressing Radiation Levels
The French regulatory group ANFR has played a pivotal role in determining the release date for iOS 17.1. The update comes as part of Apple’s commitment to rectify radiation levels in the iPhone 12, a matter that has drawn attention in recent months. France had ordered Apple to halt sales of the iPhone 12 due to concerns about compliance with European electromagnetic radiation standards. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for the iPhone 12 exceeded the EU’s limits at 5.74 watts per kilogram.
2. Apple’s Response to Radiation Concerns
Apple’s stance on the matter has been clear. The company asserts that the ANFR’s radiation tests contained an error due to the testing protocol not considering the off-body detection mechanism in iPhones. This detection feature allows iPhones to adjust their transmit power when not in close contact with the body, thus optimizing cellular performance.
Apple has maintained that this off-body detection has undergone extensive international testing and is effective in meeting SAR requirements. Nevertheless, as a gesture of goodwill, Apple has consented to disable this feature in iPhones intended for the French market.
3. Safety Assurance for iPhone 12 Users
Apple continues to affirm the safety of the iPhone 12, emphasizing that it has always met safety standards. The upcoming iOS 17.1 update, while addressing the radiation issue, may impact cellular performance in specific scenarios. After the update, iPhone 12 models in France will no longer adjust their transmit power when detecting an off-body state, potentially resulting in reduced cellular performance in areas with weak signal strength.
4. Additional Changes in iOS 17.1
iOS 17.1 is not solely about radiation levels. This update brings a host of other features and improvements to the iOS 17 operating system. Users can anticipate a revamped Apple Music favorites system, support for AirDrop over the internet, enhanced options for monitoring bank and card balances within the Wallet app, and adjustments to the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button, among other alterations. A comprehensive list of these updates is available in our iOS 17.1 features guide.
As we count down to the release of iOS 17.1 by October 24, it’s clear that Apple is dedicated to addressing user concerns while providing additional enhancements to its iOS ecosystem.
