iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Models in Europe Have Regulatory Symbols Engraved on Side

Apple's iPhone 12 and 12 Pro have no visible regulatory symbols in the United States, as the U.S. allows this information to be relegated to the Settings app on the devices thanks to the E-Label Act passed in 2014.

europeregulatoryinfo
That's not the case in Europe, where regulatory approvals are required to be visible on the device itself. Apple has in the past put the necessary symbols on the back of the ‌iPhone‌, but this year, the European models have regulatory info laser etched on the bottom right side of the device.


The etching includes the "CE" symbol, which is a marking that means it conforms with the health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area. Most products sold in Europe are required to meet the legal requirements for the CE marking, and are required display it.


Some ‌iPhone‌ buyers in Europe may not be happy with the CE mark engraved on the side of the new devices as it is more visible in some ways than the engraving on the back, but a case will be able to hide it.

Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

mikhaelj Avatar
62 months ago

That's part of Europe, no?
Its complicated. lets stick to fun stuff on here :)
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
62 months ago
It looks better on the sides than it would on the back. (I mean, who really looks at the edges on an iPhone.) I think it’s a cleaner look on the side than it is on the back of the phone itself, Then again, the majority use cases anyway, so it’s not covered as is.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
icanhazmac Avatar
62 months ago

I wonder if Apple was forced to do it?
Did you bother to read the article?

That's not the case in Europe, where regulatory approvals are required to be visible on the device itself.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SnakeEater1993 Avatar
62 months ago
so people may cancel their order for this...but lack of 120 hz, reduced battery life and no charger/usb c port are not deal-breakers for them?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeoStructural Avatar
62 months ago
Ewww, WTF Europe. I usually support EU regulations in terms of fairness and their push for USB C, but this is not something I can tolerate. All this information can be readily consulted in the Settings app and documentation that comes in the box, I don't need to see it printed on my device.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chucker23n1 Avatar
62 months ago

Canceling my order.
Ah yes, the famous “I’m going to cancel my phone order, emigrate to a country that has no such regulations, and buy a phone there” move.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)