The Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR), France’s radiation watchdog, has asked Apple to withdraw the iPhone 12 from the French market due to its high radiofrequency (RF) radiation levels.
The ANFR tested 141 mobile phones on the French market, including the iPhone 12, and found that the iPhone 12’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for limbs was 5.74 watts per kilogram (W/kg), which is significantly higher than the European Union’s limit of 4.0 W/kg.
The SAR is a measure of the amount of RF energy absorbed by the body from a radiofrequency source. The higher the SAR, the more RF energy is absorbed by the body.
“ANFR has demanded that Apple withdraw the iPhone 12 from the French market, effective 12 September 2023, as measures show the specific absorption rate (SAR) exceeds the set limits” – Agence Nationale des Fréquences
“The ANFR expects Apple to deploy all available means to put an end to the non-compliance. Failure to act will result in the recall of equipment that has already been made available to consumers,” the French agency adds.
The ANFR says that the iPhone 12’s high SAR levels could pose a health risk to users, especially if they carry the phone in their pocket or keep it close to their body for long periods of time.
Apple has not yet responded to the ANFR’s request. However, the company has previously said that its products comply with all applicable safety regulations.
