France Halts iPhone 12 Sales Over Radiation Concerns

Apple finds itself in a unique tussle with French regulators, as the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) has prohibited the sale of the iPhone 12 due to its Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) exceeding the legal limit. This essentially means that the iPhone 12, which was recently discontinued in India, emits electromagnetic waves beyond the permissible levels. Out of 141 phones tested for SAR, the iPhone 12 registered 5.74 watts per kilogram when placed in a pocket, significantly higher than the European Union's limit of 4 watts per kilogram.

Regulatory Warning

ANFR has warned that failure to address this issue will result in the recall of devices already sold to consumers.

Government Response

Noel Barrot, France's Junior Minister for the Digital Economy, stated that Apple could resolve this issue within a fortnight. He also mentioned that the data collected by ANFR would be shared with regulatory bodies in other EU member states. Barrot suggested that while Apple might face challenges due to this ban, the iPhone 12 is nearing the end of its lifecycle and has already been discontinued in several markets. Despite this, the model has sold millions of units since its launch in September 2020.

Apple's Counterargument

Apple, however, has refuted these claims, stating that the iPhone 12 has received certification from multiple international bodies and complies with global radiation standards. The tech giant has provided ANFR with extensive data from both Apple and independent third-party labs to prove its compliance. Apple is currently contesting ANFR's review and will continue to engage with the agency to demonstrate that it meets the required standards.

The ban on iPhone 12 sales in France over radiation concerns has put Apple and French regulators on a collision course, even though this will likely have no financial impact on the Californian giant. While the French government believes the tech giant can resolve these issues promptly, Apple insists that it already complies with international radiation standards. The outcome of this dispute could have ramifications not just in France, but potentially across the European Union.