Apple had announced on Tuesday it will ship the new iPhone 12 models without EarPods or a power adapter, to help it prevent the accessories from ending up in landfills, but it will be different in France, where the new devices will have earphones in the coffret, maybe because of some existing local laws, as spotted by MacRumors.
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According to MacRumors, French law now requires that smartphones be bundled with “hands-free kits” or a “headset” in order to protect children between the age of 14 and younger from electromagnetic radiation.
Quite thoughtful, but that’s because the govt. doesn’t believe that the health effects of long-term radiation exposure from smartphones are settled science as yet, particularly with children, according to a summary of the law. User manuals and packaging, along with any ads, must also recommend the use of a hands-free kit, or risk a 75,000 euro ($87,000) fine.
“Any object containing radio equipment cannot be distributed for payment or free of charge without a wired, solid and reliable headset. User manuals and packaging for mobile phone devices must contain clear and visible information prompting the use of a wired headset.”
Concern over the effects of radiation has affected smartphone use in different ways in France as well. The country has seen protests in various cities against 5G, with some elected officials calling for delays in its deployment over health fears and landscape blight.
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However, Apple hinted that shipping iPhones without EarPods reduce carbon emissions, rare-earth mining and e-waste. The iPhone 12 also ships in a thinner box, so Apple said it can fit 70 per cent more devices onto a single pallet. If you do need a pair, it has lowered the price with a Lightning connector from $29 to $19.
