Both the National Association of Broadcasters and the Federal Communications Commission have been pushing Apple on making the iPhone work with FM radio during natural disasters and emergencies, although Apple says it’s not even possible with newer iPhones. The NAB isn’t backing down from its position, however, and it’s using the now discontinued iPod nano (and Tim Cook’s hometown) to bolster its argument.
The NAB, which represents radio stations, cited Apple supporting FM radio on the iPod nano and even building a live pause feature in the app.
The group is also using Cook’s southern roots as reason for supporting FM radio on iPhones:
For its part, Apple just isn’t interested in prioritizing FM radio support in iPhones:
Do you feel as strongly about FM radio support in iPhones as the NAB?
It is not possible. iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them nor do they have antennas designed to support FM signals
— Philip Schiller (@pschiller) September 28, 2017
