FCC Chairman Asks Apple to Turn on FM Radio Chips in iPhones

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai urged Apple on Thursday to activate FM radio receiver chips in iPhones to assist those during and after natural disasters.

“It is time for Apple to step up to the plate and put the safety of the American people first,” Pai said.

Apple is the last of the major phone manufacturers to leave the already installed functionality turned off. When internet and cell connectivity goes down during a natural disaster, FM could allow impacted citizens to receive vital emergency information.

Newer LG, Motorola and Samsung devices already have the functionality enabled. Owners of supported devices from those manufacturers just need an FM radio app like NextRadio. Check the supported device list HERE.

Carriers prefer not to make the FM functionality easy to get to because it doesn’t consume data – which they get paid for unless you have an unlimited plan.