This is called pulling the rug out from under you. The National Frequency Agency (ANFR) took advantage, this Wednesday evening, of the strong media coverage of Apple’s keynote to announce the ban on the sale of the iPhone 12. While the press release was visibly ready since on September 6, he was sent to the heart of the firm’s conference at Apple while it presented its latest addition, the iPhone 15.
This withdrawal of the iPhone 12 from the French market is due to exceeding the specific absorption rate (SAR) limit. Launched on October 13, 2020, this smartphone model emits electromagnetic waves that are too powerful, higher than the limit values absorbed by the human body and set by the Council of the European Union.
As part of its mission to control public exposure to electromagnetic waves, ANFR regularly carries out checks on mobile phones placed on the French market and ensures that these devices comply with regulations.
It was during a check of 141 smartphones that the iPhone 12 was flashed speeding. He has visibly exceeded the thresholds for this DAS. This is subdivided into “head” SAR, “trunk” SAR and “limb” SAR depending on whether it is measured, respectively, by phone to the ear (2 Watts per kilogram (W/kg), slipped into a jacket pocket or in a bag (2 W/kg), hand-held or worn in an cuff (4 W/kg).
What about refurbished iPhone 12s?
Concretely, ” Apple must immediately take all measures to prevent affected phones in the supply chain from being made available on the market. » Sworn ANFR agents will verify that the iPhone 12 is no longer offered for sale in the various distribution channels.
Ban respected. The smartphone is no longer on sale on the Apple website this Wednesday, September 13, nor – visibly – on other merchant sites. A fairly limited effort, with the iPhone 12 due to soon leave the catalog, pushed towards release by the iPhone 15. The platforms which sell reconditioned smartphones will, however, take longer to comply.
A simple iOS update
The injunction also concerns phones already sold. “ ANFR orders Apple to implement all available means to quickly remedy this malfunction” The American giant must “ take corrective measures as soon as possible to make the affected phones compliant. » “Failing that, it will be up to Apple to recall the copies already sold. »
The maneuver takes a more political turn when Jean-Noël Barrot speaks in The Parisian. “ I am ready to order the recall of iPhone 12s in circulation », says the Minister Delegate in charge of digital technology. He reminds us that a simple software update (iOS) is enough. “ The American company has fifteen days to comply.”
For the minister, the French decision could snowball throughout Europe. Jean-Noël Barrot indicates that the ANFR will transmit the information collected on the iPhone 12 to all member states.