In September 2023, France’s Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR) conducted tests on the iPhone 12, concluding that the device exceeded the nation’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits for radio frequency (RF) exposure. SAR measures the rate at which the human body absorbs RF energy. The ANFR reported an absorption rate of 5.74 watts per kilogram for on-contact exposure, surpassing the European Union’s limit of 4 watts per kilogram. However, tests conducted with a 5-centimeter separation between the device and the testing tissue showed compliance with international standards, recording an absorption rate within the permissible 2 watts per kilogram.
Apple contested these findings, asserting that the iPhone 12 met all international safety standards. The company highlighted that its devices have an off-body detection feature, allowing for slightly higher transmit power when the phone is not in direct contact with the user, such as when placed on a table. This mechanism has been internationally recognized and verified as effective in complying with SAR requirements. Apple argued that the ANFR’s testing methodology did not account for this feature, leading to results inconsistent with global standards.
Despite Apple’s objections, the French government mandated a software update to reduce the iPhone 12’s modem power to align with national regulations. Apple complied, releasing an update that limited the device’s transmit power when off-body detection was activated. This adjustment aimed to address the ANFR’s concerns and prevent potential sales bans or recalls in France.
Fast forward to August 2025, the European Union intervened, referencing Directive 2014/53/EU, which requires uniform corrective actions for non-compliant radio equipment across all member states. Consequently, the EU mandated that the same software patch implemented in France be deployed across all EU countries. This decision was made despite objections from Ireland, which, after reviewing Apple’s compliance with international testing standards, found the iPhone 12’s RF emissions to be within acceptable limits. Nevertheless, the European Commission upheld the ANFR’s findings and justified the broader implementation of the software update.
Apple expressed disagreement with the ANFR’s testing approach but stated its intention to respect the European Commission’s decision. The company emphasized that the power reduction in the iPhone 12’s modem was specific to the French market and was implemented to comply with local regulations. Apple also noted that the vast majority of users were unlikely to notice any impact on device performance due to this change.
The World Health Organization has consistently stated that there is no convincing scientific evidence that weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concurs, indicating that current RF exposure levels from mobile devices are safe for consumers.
In summary, the European Union’s decision to extend France’s iPhone 12 RF patch across all member states underscores the complexities of regulatory compliance in a global market. While Apple maintains that its devices meet international safety standards, it has chosen to implement the mandated software updates to adhere to regional regulations and avoid potential sales bans or recalls.
