Apple Denies iPhone 12 High Radiofrequency Concerns – CNET [CNET]

September 15, 2023 Corinne Reichert technology

France’s radio agency has asked Apple to halt sales of the iPhone 12, alleging isn’t compliant with European regulations on electromagnetic wave exposure to humans.

Corinne Reichert Senior Writer

Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently oversees the CNET breaking news desk for the West Coast. Corinne covers everything from phones, social media and security to movies, politics, 5G and pop culture. In her spare time, she watches soccer games, F1 races and Disney movies.

Apple is contesting allegations by the National Frequency Agency in France that the iPhone 12 exceeds European specific absorption rate (SAR) limits. Apple was asked to temporarily stop selling the phone, the agency said Tuesday.

Agence Nationale des Fréquences, or ANFR, manages France’s radio frequencies. As part of its job to monitor radio equipment, ANFR periodically tests phones to check human exposure to electromagnetic waves.

The iPhone 12 doesn’t currently comply with European regulations on SAR values, ANFR said, while the phone is in contact with the body — for example, being held in a hand or pants pocket. SAR values were found to be compliant for iPhone 12 devices being carried at more of a distance from the body, like in coat pockets or bags, however.

“Apple must immediately take all measures to prevent the affected phones present in the supply chain from being made available,” ANFR said. “For phones already sold, Apple must take corrective action as soon as possible to bring the affected phones into compliance. Otherwise, it will be up to Apple to recall them.”

Apple didn’t comment, but it has provided ANFR with several internal and independent iPhone 12 lab test results that allegedly show compliance with SAR regulations.

A software update would likely fix any radiation issues, French junior minister for the digital economy Jean-Noel Barrot reportedly told Le Parisien.