Apple Is Patching the iPhone 12 Again - Five Years After Launch

You’d think Apple would be done with the iPhone 12 by now. After all, it launched back in 2020 and was discontinued in 2023 when the iPhone 15 hit shelves. But thanks to an ongoing radiation drama in Europe, Apple is preparing yet another software update for the iPhone 12, five years after it first came out.

The Radiation Dispute That Won’t Go Away

This all started in 2023 when French regulators claimed the iPhone 12 exceeded radiation exposure limits under their testing. The catch? Apple argued the testing wasn’t standard and that the iPhone 12 was always safe to use.

At the time, France threatened to pull the phone from shelves, and Apple responded by pushing out a software fix via iOS 17.1 to satisfy regulators. France signed off, the recall threat disappeared, and the story seemed over.

Or so we thought.

Now It’s an EU-Wide Issue

Fast forward to 2025, and the European Commission has weighed in. Apple is now preparing a new iOS update for iPhone 12 models across the entire EU, not just in France.

Here’s what Apple told media in a statement:

“We continue to disagree with the French ANFR’s testing approach… [but] we respect the European Commission’s decision.”

Apple also doubled down on its original stance, saying customers can use their iPhone 12 “with full confidence, just as they always have.”

Why Is Apple Still Updating a Discontinued Phone?

The iPhone 12 may be discontinued, but millions are still in use globally, and Apple supports its devices with software updates for years after release.

For Apple, pushing one more software patch is easier than waging a prolonged regulatory battle. And for users? It doesn’t change much. Your iPhone 12 was safe yesterday, and it’ll still be safe after this update rolls out.

In Closing

Five years after its debut, the iPhone 12 is back in the headlines, not because of a new feature, but because of an old fight. Apple insists the device has always been safe, but regulators want a patch, and Apple’s delivering one.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12, expect a new iOS update soon. It won’t transform your phone, but it will close the book (again) on one of Apple’s strangest product controversies.

🔥 Quick Overview:

✅ Apple releasing new update for iPhone 12 in EU
✅ Stems from 2023 French radiation dispute
✅ Apple disagrees but is complying with regulators
✅ Update comes five years after iPhone 12 launch
⏰ Rollout expected with next iOS patch cycle

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Eric Sandler

Chief Writer at WiFi Planet

Eric Sandler is a veteran US tech writer with over 25 years of experience covering the latest advancements in the world of technology. From groundbreaking innovations to in-depth reviews, Eric has built a reputation for delivering insightful, reliable content. His work spans across a variety of tech topics, including smartphones, gadgets, AI, and more, making him a trusted voice in the industry.