Apple faces European bans over iPhone 12 radiation levels. As France suspends sales, other EU nations are raising eyebrows. But is there potential for a global flow-on effect?
The French Ban
France recently placed a temporary halt on iPhone 12 sales after tests showed alleged breaches of radiation exposure limits. If France’s concerns are not addressed, there is potential to further dent the tech giant’s European market reputation.
In response, Apple has vowed to adjust the software of its iPhone 12s sold in France, hoping to appease French concerns over radiation levels. While Apple acknowledges France’s concerns, they have staunchly defended their position.
The iPhone 12, they contend, has the seal of approval from numerous international regulatory bodies, certifying its compliance with global standards. Apple claims that the upcoming software update isn’t a nod to an inherent device flaw, but rather a move to align with the unique testing methods employed by France.
European Countries Echo France’s Sentiments
The French suspension is not an isolated incident. The situation has cast a ripple effect across Europe, with several nations expressing their reservations.
Belgium has indicated its intentions to conduct a similar review. Germany, on the other hand, is seeking collaboration. They are in touch with French officials to potentially devise an EU-wide resolution. With Italy gearing up to request a similar software modification, it’s evident that this is fast becoming an EU-wide concern.
Known Risks of Mobile Phone Use
The debate around the health implications of mobile phones is hardly new. For over two decades, researchers globally have delved into the potential risks linked with mobile phone usage.
The World Health Organization, a leading authority in global health, has weighed in, asserting that no conclusive evidence establishes adverse health consequences from mobile phone use.
French Testing: A Unique Approach
Diving deeper into the heart of the matter, France’s ANFR (Agence Nationale des Frequences) unveiled that the iPhone 12’s SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) – a crucial metric highlighting the rate of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the human body – went beyond permissible levels.
This revelation, significant as it is, stems from a shift in France’s regulations in 2020.
This new approach introduced SAR tests for limbs, such as when the phone is held in hand, in addition to the conventional head and body testing. Specifically, while the iPhone 12’s limb SAR tests were conducted at a distance of 0 mm, body tests worldwide generally use a 5mm distance.
Despite the apparent rising concerns, industry experts have called for perspective. They stress that the regulatory limits, which focus on potential risks like burns or heatstroke from phone radiation, are deliberately conservative. Set well beneath thresholds where any evidence of harm has been identified. These standards are designed with a wide margin of safety.
Prominent voices, like Ben Wood of CCS Insight, believe that the current incident, concerning an older model like the iPhone 12, will soon be a thing of the past, especially in light of Apple’s latest iPhone 15 release.
What Does This Mean for American Apple Fans?
For Apple aficionados in the U.S., the events unfolding in Europe may be viewed with both curiosity and concern.
While U.S. regulatory standards and testing methods differ from those in France, consumer awareness is ever-increasing.
As Apple grapples with the European challenge, American consumers might demand greater transparency on radiation standards and testing methodologies, especially for newer models. However, with no immediate red flags from the U.S. regulatory bodies, it remains to be seen how this European saga will influence the American market perception and consumer trust in Apple products.
A Broader Implication for Apple
While the iPhone 12 may no longer be Apple’s flagship model, any disruption in its sales carries significant weight.
Europe is a pivotal market for Apple, with revenues from the continent reaching an impressive $95 billion last year. It’s estimated that the tech behemoth sold over 50 million iPhones in Europe alone last year. The current situation, therefore, isn’t just about one model in one country; it’s about maintaining Apple’s market stronghold in a key region.
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The post Apple’s iPhone 12 Faces Bans in Europe – What Does it Mean for American iPhone Users? first appeared on Mama Say What?!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ekateryna Zubal.
