France is threatening to ban the sale of iPhone 12s over fears of excessive radiation levels – but Apple is fighting back.
A junior minister said the phones, released in 2020, should be taken off shelves and would be recalled unless the tech giant fixes the problem.
Jean-Noël Barrot told the newspaper Le Parisien that tests carried out by France‘s radiation watchdog found that the device’s “specific absorption rate” was slightly higher than allowed by law.
This refers to the rate at which the human body absorbs energy when exposed to radio frequencies.
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Apple disputed the findings, saying that iPhone 12 has been certified by several international organizations and recognized as compliant with all applicable radiation regulations and standards.
It said it had provided the French watchdog with results from an independent third-party laboratory to prove it.
The watchdog found that the handset, which is already in production, emits 5.74 watts of energy per kilogram when placed in someone’s pocket, above the European standard of four watts.
The rules are based on scientific studies suggesting that higher levels may increase the risk of certain cancers.
Mr Barrot said a software update should be enough to bring the iPhone 12 into compliance, but warned the US company it would have to act quickly.
“Apple should respond within two weeks,” he added.
“If they fail to do so, I am prepared to order a recall of all iPhone 12s in circulation.
“The rule is the same for everyone, including the digital giants.”
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France’s findings will be shared with other EU members, which Barrot said could lead to similar measures.
Apple said it would contest the French review results and continue working to prove compliance.
The dispute came as the tech giant unveiled its iPhone 15 rangewhich will abandon the Lightning charging port for the first time since 2012 to comply with EU rules.
He demanded that all portable electronic devices will have a USB-C port by the end of 2024 to reduce electronic waste.
