Belgium, Netherlands and Germany could ban iPhone 12 as Apple disputes France radiation claims

Following France’s move to stop the sale of the iPhone 12 in its market, other European Union (EU) countries like Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands are scrutinizing the device. While none of the three countries have announced a ban on sales, the possibility can not be ruled out. 

French regulators ordered stoppage of the sale of the device, claiming that it emits electromagnetic radiation levels that surpass the EU’s standards. The National Frequency Agency, the agency tasked with overseeing the country’s wireless communications frequencies, gave the directive after the iPhone 12 failed one of two types of tests. 

The agency conducted tests on 141 phones and discovered that the iPhone 12’s level of electromagnetic energy absorption when held or carried is 5.74 watts per kilogram. This figure is above the EU’s standard of 4 watts per kilogram. 

It is worth mentioning that the iPhone 12 passed another test done to determine the radiation levels in a device when placed in a jacket or bag. Following the test results, the French regulator called on Apple to leverage every possible means to quickly tackle this issue for devices already in circulation. The agency promised to monitor the situation through device updates. If the radiation levels are still high, then the company will be forced to issue a recall for devices already sold. 

Meanwhile, Apple has denied the allegations that the iPhone 12 is unsafe, stating that many international regulators certified it as safe to use. Recall that the iPhone 12 was launched in 2020. It added that the device satisfies the requirements for radiation across many markets. Apple further stated that it had extended multiple lab results affirming the device’s high safety level to the French regulator. 

France’s investigation into the iPhone 12 has prompted fellow EU members to evaluate the situation. Belgium announced that it has begun a review of the phone’s potential health risks. Meanwhile, Germany, the Netherlands, and even Italy are closely monitoring the matter. 

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What this could mean for iPhone 12 and other Apple products sales 

Apple recently launched the iPhone 15 series among other product updates. What it does not need at this point is a scandal. France’s inquiry closely resembles one. Whether the iPhone 12 is unsafe to use or not, constant mention of the issue in the media could deal the company’s sales projections in the EU market a serious blow. 

Apple considers the EU as a major market. After all, it bowed to the union’s pressure and fitted the new iPhone 15 model with the USB-C port instead of the regular Lightening connector. With more countries considering the health risks of the iPhone 12, there’s a strong chance that many potential EU-based buyers of the new series may revisit their desire for the product.