By Mauro Orru
France’s National Frequencies Agency recently conducted an analysis and found that the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the iPhone 12 was measured at 5.74 watts per kilogram when held or kept in a pocket. This exceeds the regulatory limit of 4 watts per kilogram. The agency instructed Apple to prevent iPhones in the supply chain from reaching customers, and suggested a software update for already sold handsets. Without compliance, a recall may be necessary.
Apple immediately disputed these findings, emphasizing that the iPhone 12 is certified by multiple international bodies and meets all SAR regulations worldwide. The company provided lab results to the agency, demonstrating its compliance with standards.
Since its release in 2020, millions of customers worldwide, including those in France, have already purchased the iPhone 12. Although Apple announced its new iPhone 15 lineup on Tuesday and stopped selling certain older models on its website, third-party resellers may still have the iPhone 12 in stock. To address this, the National Frequencies Agency has instructed agents to ensure that distribution channels in France no longer offer the iPhone 12 for sale.
