Multiple European nations plan to investigate concerns regarding potential excessive electromagnetic radiation emissions from the iPhone 12, following France's sales halt order to Apple. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany have also initiated inquiries into the matter. France's regulatory body has granted Apple a two-week timeframe to address their investigation, a move German authorities suggest may result in continent-wide actions. Apple has asserted that it has furnished evidence of its adherence to radiation regulations.
On Tuesday, France's National Frequencies Agency (ANFR) reported that radiation tests conducted on the iPhone 12 had yielded results exceeding the permissible limits. The suspension of iPhone 12 sales in France, according to French Digital Economy Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, could have a ripple effect. ANFR intends to share its findings with regulators in other European Union member states.
In response to the situation, the Belgian government has directed its regulatory body to assess whether the iPhone 12, originally introduced in 2020, poses any health hazards. Belgian State Secretary for Digitalization Mathieu Michel emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens and stated his intention to have all Apple models, as well as other brands, examined.
The Dutch digital infrastructure agency (RDI) expressed confidence that radiation levels had been exceeded based on the French tests. Although the RDI intended to contact Apple, it stressed that there was no immediate safety threat.
Germany's BNetzA network agency informed that the French investigation might lead to measures applicable to all EU member states. As of now, the UK has not taken any action in response to the French sales ban.
Apple countered the French findings, asserting that it had provided ANFR with laboratory results from both the tech company and third-party sources, demonstrating compliance with regulations. France's digital economy minister expressed optimism that Apple could rectify the issue through a software update. However, if this approach proved unsuccessful, ANFR indicated that Apple might need to recall all iPhone 12 units sold in France.
ANFR's assessment involves two radiation tests: the first evaluates the phone's emissions when in close proximity to a person's body, such as when held or placed in a trouser pocket, while the second simulates a scenario where the phone is in a jacket pocket or bag, measuring emissions at a slightly greater distance.
According to ANFR, the iPhone 12 successfully met the standards set by EU regulations in the second test, but it exceeded the permissible radiation levels in the first test. The regulatory body has announced its intention to conduct inspections at Apple stores and other retailers to ensure that sales of this model have ceased.
In the past, radiation tests have led to the removal of certain smartphones from the shelves in France, but this marks the first instance where an iPhone has been impacted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has conducted numerous studies over the years to evaluate potential health risks associated with mobile phone usage. Their website states that, as of now, no adverse health effects attributed to mobile phone usage have been conclusively established.