What's wrong with iPhone 12?
Marketed since the end of 2020, the iPhone 12 was at the end of its career when the decision to withdraw from the French market fell.
For months, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) exchanged with Apple after flashing the device above the standards in force concerning the emission of radio waves.
Specifically, the iPhone 12 exceeds by 1.74 W per kilogram (W/kg) the regulatory limit value corresponding to the energy that can be absorbed by the human body when the phone is held in the hand (called SAR limbs).
In many similar cases, manufacturers update their device before retiring. This was not the case for Apple, which faced this procedure for the first time.
Why is this decision coming now?
Many users, who sometimes used their phones for almost three years, were surprised by such a late decision.
But the regulation that imposes the measure of the "DAS members" did not come into force until July 2020, and the phone could not be subject to it before its release.
According to the ANFR website, the compliance of three Apple devices (iPhone 12 5G, iPhone 12 mini 5G and iPhone 13) is currently under review. The iPhones 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have been declared compliant.
By communicating on this decision, the minister in charge of ANFR Jean-Noël Barrot also wanted to put pressure on Apple, which is required to comply with European rules.
What can Apple do about it?
According to ANFR, which specified Thursday its instructions, Apple must "within fifteen days" propose "corrective measures". Concretely, it should be a "remote software update" that will lower SAR values, says the authority.
ANFR will then request a new expertise of the telephone in the laboratory, again "within fifteen days".
The results of this new test will determine whether the temporary withdrawal decision can be lifted, or if Apple must "recall all devices sold on the French market".
What was Apple's reaction?
Contacted by AFP, Apple assured that the iPhone 12 was compliant with the standards defined in the world by many international organizations and plans to challenge the conclusions of the agency.
However, the company only gives on its site measurements made on the SAR "Head" (a measurement made during a phone call without hands-free kit), and "Body" (a more general measurement at the trunk level).
Is there a health risk?
Exceeding the measure is probably harmless. Moreover, "the non-compliance detected did not justify an immediate recall," says ANFR.
Jean-Noël Barrot recalled that this was a "slight" exceeding of the thresholds, also set at a level well below that which could potentially have effects on the human body.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "there is currently no indication that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields is dangerous to human health." Despite numerous studies on the subject, there is indeed little proven link between health problems and exposure to radiofrequencies.
Is the refurbished market concerned?
According to ANFR, Apple has the primary responsibility to end the marketing of the iPhone 12, "regardless of the distribution channel", and must therefore "give very clear instructions (...) to its distributors".
But they are also required to remove it themselves from their physical or online stores. The instruction also applies to reconditioners, says the agency.
The French specialized platform Backmarket confirmed Wednesday evening that it has taken steps to remove the iPhone 12, which now appears "out of stock".
The iPhone 12 was currently one of the best references in the refurbishment market, which allows consumers to reduce their equipment bills as well as their environmental footprint.
© 2023 AFP