Apple Challenges French Findings, Affirms iPhone 12 Compliance with European Radiation Regulations

Apple has issued a strong defense of its iPhone 12 model, which has faced criticism from French authorities regarding alleged breaches of European radiation exposure limits. The company asserts that the iPhone 12, launched in 2020, has received certification from multiple international bodies confirming its compliance with global radiation standards. Apple has also provided numerous lab results, both from its own facilities and third-party sources, to demonstrate the phone's adherence to regulations set by the French agency, Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR).

ANFR had directed Apple to suspend iPhone 12 sales in France after conducting tests that purportedly showed the device's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), a measure of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body from the device, exceeded legally permitted levels. The watchdog threatened a recall of iPhone 12 units already sold if Apple failed to comply.

Industry experts have emphasized that the SAR levels in the iPhone 12 pose no safety risks, as regulatory limits are well below the thresholds where any harm has been scientifically demonstrated. Over the past two decades, extensive research has been conducted to assess the health risks associated with mobile phones, with no adverse health effects conclusively linked to mobile phone use according to the World Health Organization.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which sets global guidelines for SAR limits, categorized radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phone use as "possibly carcinogenic" in 2011. This classification implies limited evidence of a potential cancer risk, prompting further research.

ANFR's tests indicated SAR levels of 5.74 watts per kilogram when simulating the iPhone 12's use in hand or trouser pocket, while the European standard permits a maximum of 4.0 watts per kilogram. However, the phone passed the body-SAR standards when placed in a jacket pocket or bag and even when held directly to the head for making calls.

Professor Rodney Croft, Chair of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), emphasized that the phone's SAR levels are well below levels where harm has been observed and highlighted differences in assessment methods between ANFR and other regulators.

France's junior minister for the digital economy, Jean-Noel Barrot, suggested that a software update could resolve the radiation concerns. He indicated that Apple must respond within two weeks, and if it fails to do so, he is prepared to order a recall of all iPhone 12 units in circulation.

ANFR plans to share its findings with regulators in other European Union member states, raising the possibility of broader implications for Apple's products. Germany's BNetzA network regulator suggested that France's decision could influence Europe as a whole and may trigger similar proceedings in Germany.

While Apple does not disclose sales figures by country or model, Europe represents a substantial market for the company, generating approximately $95 billion in revenue last year. It is the company's second-largest market after the Americas, with estimates suggesting it sold over 50 million iPhones in Europe last year. Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 on Tuesday, continuing its smartphone product line.