ANFR, the French radiation watchdog has claimed that tests have shown Apple iPhone 12 breaches radiation levels and thus, ordered Apple to stop selling the model in France, the media has reported. The watchdog has asked Apple to recall every iPhone 12 model sold in France if it cannot fix the radiation issue via an update. ANFR has carried out tests which showed that Apple iPhone 12 breached the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value than what is legally allowed. However, Apple says that the device complies with all global radiation standards, according to a report by news agency Reuters.
The ANFR said it expected Apple "to deploy all available means to put an end to the non-compliance. However, Apple has said it provided ANFR multiple Apple and independent third-party lab results proving its compliance, the report added. According to World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields is harmful to humans.
The French move has increased the likelihood of further bans on iPhones in Europe. It is pertinent to note that Apple had to comply with a new rule in the European Union (EU) that mandates smartphone makers to adopt a common charging connection by December 2024, in a bid to reduce waste and to save consumers' money. Germany's network regulator BNetzA said it might launch similar proceedings and was in close contact with French authorities. Spain's OCU consumers' group, on the other hand, has asked authorities there to stop the sales of the iPhone 12.
This comes hours after Apple launched the much-anticipated iPhone 15 lineup that comprises four models.
Earlier last week, China banned government officials from using iPhones for work, The Wall Street Journal reported. Employees at China's central government bodies have been ordered not to use foreign-branded devices or iPhones for work or bring them to the office, the report added, citing people familiar with the development.
There were no names apart from Apple, in the list of banned foreign smartphone makers. China's State Council Information Office could not be immediately reached for comment and Apple did not respond to a request for comment by news agency Reuters.