France’s radiation watchdog, the Agence Nationale des Frequences (ANFR) has banned sales of Apple’s iPhone 12 after tests showed the smartphone breached European radiation exposure limits. In response, Apple says the iPhone 12 is certified by multiple international bodies with the company saying it has provided ANFR representatives with independent third-party lab results proving its compliance. But does it all really matter?
Why has the ANFR banned iPhone 12 sales?
The radiation measure the ANFR says is non compliant is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). This is a measure of the rate of radio-frequency energy absorbed by the body from a piece of equipment. Radiation is a pretty broad term but it covers radio-frequency in this case. We’re not talking about anyone transforming into the Hulk or an Incredible Shrinking Woman.
The maximum allowed SAR in France, and coincidentally in Australia, is 4 watts per kilogram of body weight. The ANFR, in a sample of phones it purchased independently, found two iPhone 12 units that emitted 5.4 watts per kilogram of body weight when tested. Their results represent the upper limit of SAR emissions under extreme testing conditions that are not indicative of normal use.
Is the iPhone 12 unsafe to use?
The consensus of scientists is that event these above regulated levels are not likely to pose any risks to anyone’s health.
What will Apple do?
Apple has already complied with the sales ban as the iPhone 12 is no longer available for sale on Apple’s website. The release of the iPhone 15 meant the iPhone 12 dropped off Apple’s product range.
So the ANFR’s sales ban is a bit of a waste of time.
But, iPhone 12 units that are in use could be recalled if Apple doesn’t take any action. Given Apple is still disputing the results it may choose to do nothing pending any ongoing investigation.
However, pretty much everything in an iPhone is controllable by software. So it could issue a software update to rectify the situation. Then it will be up to owners to update their iPhone 12 to fix the problem.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.