France Orders Apple to Stop Selling iPhone 12s Due to Radiation Concerns
In a recent development, France has ordered tech giant Apple to halt the sales of its popular iPhone 12 model, citing breaches of European radiation exposure limits. The decision comes after tests conducted by France’s Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) revealed that the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12 exceeded the legally allowed limits.
ANFR stated that the phone’s SAR, which measures the rate of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body, was higher than the European standard of 4.0 watts per kilogram. During tests simulating typical usage scenarios, the iPhone 12 showed an SAR of 5.74 watts per kilogram when held in hand or kept in a trouser pocket.
Apple, however, has strongly defended its product, stating that the iPhone 12 complies with all global radiation standards. The company provided multiple lab results, both from Apple and third-party institutions, to prove its compliance to the French agency. Apple also mentioned that it is contesting the findings of the French watchdog.
Industry experts have stated that there are no safety risks associated with the iPhone 12, as regulatory limits on SAR are already set well below the levels where scientists have found evidence of harm. Various studies conducted over the past two decades have failed to establish any adverse health effects caused by mobile phone use, according to the World Health Organization.
The designation of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields resulting from mobile phone use as “possibly carcinogenic” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2011 is based on limited evidence and aims to encourage further research.
If Apple fails to respond to the French order within two weeks, France’s junior minister for the digital economy, Jean-Noel Barrot, has stated that he is prepared to order a recall of all iPhone 12s in circulation. Barrot emphasized that the same rules apply to everyone, including digital giants like Apple.
In addition, Germany’s network regulator, BNetzA, has announced that it might launch similar proceedings against Apple and is in close contact with French authorities. The decision in France is expected to have implications for the entire European market. Apple’s revenues in Europe totaled approximately $95 billion last year, making it the company’s second-largest market.
ANFR will share its findings with regulators in other European Union member states, potentially leading to a snowball effect of similar actions across the region.
As the dispute continues, Apple’s global reputation and sales could be impacted, but the company remains steadfast in defending the compliance of its iPhone 12 model with international radiation standards.