iPhone 12 sales are banned in France due to high SAR

According to some recent pieces of information, France has banned the sale of the iPhone 12. Reportedly, sales were restricted given the high Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the device. According to France’s National Frequency Agency (ANFR) report, the iPhone 12 emits more electromagnetic waves than the legal limit. For this reason, the agency demanded an immediate ban on sales of the iPhone 12.

Reportedly, 141 phones were tested for SAR. The agency found that the iPhone 12 emits 5.74 watts per kilogram while in the user’s pocket. On the other hand, the standard for SAR, according to the EU, is 4.0 watts per kilogram. During the second test, the device was placed 5mm away from the human body, where it emitted 2.0 W/kg SAR.

According to the statement issued by ANFR, the company must resolve this issue as quickly as possible. If the company fails to do so, it will be compelled to recall all units sold in the European region. France’s junior minister for digital economy, Jean-Noel Barrot, states that the company can resolve this issue with just a software update that will take a maximum of two weeks.

The European Union has set standards for SAR values to protect users from the risk of diseases like cancer. These values have been set in accordance with some scientific studies. According to Barrot’s statement, the collected data will be shared with regulators in other EU member states.

According to him, it might have a snowball impact on Apple for the above-mentioned device, but the company has already sold millions of units since its debut in September 2020. Since the iPhone 15 has replaced the whole 12 series, a move like this is unlikely to have a big impact on Apple’s sales.