'It’s risky to health' - France bans iPhone 12 over high radiation-emission levels

French regulators have ordered Apple to stop the sales of the iPhone 12 over its high electromagnetic radiation levels that are above European Union standards for exposure.

But Apple has disputed the claims and said it complies with stipulated regulations.

France asks Apple to fix radiation levels

The agency handling wireless communications frequencies in France issued the directives after the iPhone 12 could not pass one of the two tests for electromagnetic waves that could be absorbed by the body.

The iPhone 12 was released in 2020, and it is unclear why it did not pass the agency’s latest tests and why only that model failed the radiation test.

According to reports, France’s digital minister revealed that the iPhone 12’s radiation levels are still much lower than levels scientific studies consider could harm users.

The country’s National Frequency Agency asked Apple on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, to immediately implement all available means to fix the problem.

Reports say the country recently tested 141 cellphones and found that when iPhone 12 is held in hand or carried in a pocket, its electromagnetic energy absorption is about 5.74 watts per kilogramme, higher than the EU standard of 4 watts per kilogramme.

Apple disputes France's claims

Per the agency, the iPhone 12 passed a separate test of radiation levels for devices kept in a jacket or in a bag. Experts reveal that iPhone users should be able to download an update that prevents radiation exposure from reaching the limit.

Apple stated that the particular model has been certified by multiple international bodies and complies with all applicable regulations and standards for radiation across the globe. The agency revealed that the phone only transmits half the time when the user is speaking, and calls rarely last six minutes.