A few hours ago, there was an announcement that the FCC was putting pressure on Apple to activate FM radios on its latest iPhone family so that users are prepared to tackle emergency-related situations or just for the sole purpose of public safety. Unfortunately, while the FCC might be generally concerned about the well-being of citizens, Apple will not be able to do such a thing because no iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus models feature FM radios inside their metal and glass chassis.
Apart From iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, Even Last Year’s iPhone 7 Family Are Void of FM Radios
Speaking to Apple, TechCrunch was told that all available models being sold through the tech giant are not outfitted with FM radios.
“Apple cares deeply about the safety of our users, especially during times of crisis and that’s why we have engineered modern safety solutions into our products. Users can dial emergency services and access Medical ID card information directly from the Lock Screen, and we enable government emergency notifications, ranging from Weather Advisories to AMBER alerts. iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them nor do they have antennas designed to support FM signals, so it is not possible to enable FM reception in these products.”
This comes as a very tumultuous situation because it is more than possible that the FCC was not aware that the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and previous-generation models were not incorporated FM radios, even though it is their duty to make devices go through rigorous testing to make sure that such comply with strict regulations.
However, it should be noted that there is no regulation that states any phone manufacturers should proceed with incorporating FM radios in their handsets. So if the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus do not have an FM radio, it is almost guaranteed that the iPhone X will not have one either.
Do you believe for safety purposes, future iPhones should be outfitted with FM radios? Tell us your thoughts down in the comments.
News Source: TechCrunch
