Apple’s iPhone 12 model has faced scrutiny from a French watchdog just a day after the company launched the iPhone 15. The Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) ordered a halt to the sales of iPhone 12 in France, citing non-compliance with European exposure limits for radiofrequency radiation.
The ANFR conducted tests that revealed the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12 exceeded the legally allowed limit. SAR measures the rate at which the body absorbs radiofrequency energy from a device. As a result, the ANFR plans to send agents to Apple stores and other distributors to ensure that the iPhone 12 is no longer being sold.
If Apple fails to take action, the ANFR may recall iPhone 12s that have already been sold. In response, Apple has provided the ANFR with lab results from both Apple and independent third-party testers, demonstrating compliance with all applicable SAR regulations worldwide.
Apple is disputing the ANFR’s findings and intends to continue engaging with the agency to prove its compliance. The ANFR’s tests showed that the phone’s SAR exceeded the European standard of 4.0 watts per kilogram. However, the phone met body-SAR standards when placed in a jacket pocket or bag.
France’s junior minister for the digital economy, Jean-Noel Barrot, suggested that a software update could resolve the radiation issues associated with the iPhone 12. He expects a response from Apple within two weeks and warns of a potential recall if the company fails to comply.
As Apple does not disclose sales data by country or model, it is unclear how many iPhone 12s have been sold in Europe. However, estimates suggest that the company sold over 50 million iPhones in Europe last year. The ANFR will share its findings with regulators in other EU member states, potentially leading to further scrutiny of the iPhone 12.
The European Union has established safety limits for SAR values due to concerns over the increased risk of certain types of cancer associated with mobile phone radiation, as indicated by scientific studies. France has even expanded regulations to require retailers to display radiation values on packaging for not only cell phones but also tablets and other electronic devices.