French Regulators Demand iPhone 12 Withdrawal Over Radiation Worries

Politics, News Sept. 14, 2023, 3:24 p.m.

French regulators order Apple to withdraw iPhone 12 due to radiation concerns. Apple disputes claims, citing compliance with standards. iPhone 15 announced simultaneously, pre-orders available soon.

French authorities have raised concerns about the radiation emissions from Apple's iPhone 12, prompting them to order the removal of the product from the French market. The National Frequency Agency in France has informed Apple that it will closely monitor updates to the iPhone 12 in an effort to reduce its radiation output. If these updates fail to meet the regulatory standards, the agency has indicated that it may enforce a product recall.

Apple, on the other hand, has strongly defended its product, asserting that it is fully compliant with existing regulations governing radiation emissions. The dispute arises from tests conducted on 141 smartphones, including the iPhone 12, which revealed that the iPhone 12 exceeded permissible radiation limits when held in hand or placed in a pocket. Specifically, the iPhone 12 was found to emit 5.74 watts per kilogram, exceeding the legal limit of 4 watts per kilogram.

Jean-Noël Barrot, a French minister responsible for technology-related issues, acknowledged that while the emission levels observed in the iPhone 12 were above the legal limit, they were not believed to be harmful. He noted that the levels were significantly lower than those at which scientific studies suggest potential consequences for users. However, he emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations.

Apple responded by sharing its own laboratory test results, affirming that the iPhone 12 meets all regulatory standards. The company did not immediately provide further comments on the matter.

Interestingly, France's decision to scrutinize the iPhone 12 coincided with Apple's announcement of the iPhone 15 to the public. The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are set to be released on September 22 for many users worldwide, with pre-orders starting on Friday.

Apple's new lineup promises to bring features like Dynamic Island and USB-C format charging to all versions of the iPhone 15, features that had been rumored in prior reports. The pricing for these models will begin at $799 for the iPhone 15 and $899 for the iPhone 15 Plus, remaining consistent with the starting prices of their predecessors.

As the controversy between Apple and French regulators unfolds, it remains to be seen how this situation will impact the availability and perception of Apple's products in the French market.