Inferse is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The FCC wants Apple to turn on the FM radio that exists on their iPhone devices. This is to ensure the phones are able to receive life-saving information that is relayed during times of natural calamities.
Most smartphones currently in use come with integrated FM chips though unfortunately, not all of them are functional. That again is a deliberate ploy on the part of the device manufacturers as doing so will provide owners with a means of listening to the songs they like, and that too, completely free of cost. That again would nullify the companies’ efforts in pushing forward their own subscription based online music channels.
However, the good thing here is that most other manufacturers have complied with the FCC request. Those include the biggies in the business such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC and such. Apple though continues to be the most notable exception in the list.
The Cupertino giant, in its defence, has said the most recent of their iPhone device don’t have the FM chips integrated in them.
Shopping ad
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
And they don’t need them either given that they have other safety features built into them that negates the benefits of having FM radio in the first place. Those include the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8. Apple also remained non-committal on their approach with the iPhone devices launched prior to iPhone 7.
FCC chairman Ajit Pai said they are loathe to bring forth a regulation that would make its mandatory for phone manufacturers to include FM in their devices. Pai said that would make it seems as against the ethos of free-market policies.
Shopping ad
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Instead, Pai said he is just suggesting the phone makers to include FM in their handsets in the greater interest of security and safety of American citizens. The country has recently been plagued with natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria. And each has left behind them a trail of destruction both to life and property that would take years to recover.
Recommended Free Tools
Apple iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Specs, Features comparison
Shopping ad
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Also, during such large-scale disasters, cellular tower are often among the first to be hit, bringing down networks in its wake. However, propagating radio signal are relatively easier during such times and can be effectively used to guide survivors to safety.
The biggest carriers in the US too have backed the efforts of the FCC on this, and are also keen to see manufacturers activate FM on their devices. The onus now is on the manufacturers, or more specifically Apple that is among the biggest names out there to be following the opposite trend so far.
Quick Recap
Shopping ad
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Shopping ad
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
