"BodyDetect and Device Output Issues"
No Reinvestigation for 5 Years... "Periodic Post-Management Needed"
The iPhone 12 series, which faced a sales suspension in France for exceeding electromagnetic wave (EMW) human protection standards, has been re-investigated domestically and found to comply with the standards.
On the 20th, the National Radio Research Agency under the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that all four models of the iPhone 12 series distributed in Korea meet the electromagnetic wave human protection standards.
On the 12th of last month, the French Radio Authority (ANFR) announced that the iPhone 12 exceeded the electromagnetic wave human protection standards. They measured the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 141 mobile phones distributed in the French market, and the iPhone 12 was found to exceed the hand and foot standard (4.0 W/kg) with a value of 5.74 W/kg. Consequently, French authorities issued a sales suspension and corrective orders.
Apple's first 5G smartphone, the iPhone 12 series, was officially released in Korea on the 30th and is displayed at the Apple Store on Garosugil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
Stricter Korean Standards than EU... "Due to Body Detect and Country-Specific Output"
As smartphone output increases, the radio wave reach distance extends, improving communication quality. However, the electromagnetic wave intensity also increases, leading to a higher amount absorbed by the human body. The World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies electromagnetic waves as Group 2B carcinogens, possibly causing cancer. Countries set and strictly manage electromagnetic wave absorption rate standards. Korea regulates SAR as 1.6 W/kg for the head and torso, and 4.0 W/kg for hands and feet. Europe sets 2 W/kg for the torso and 4.0 W/kg for hands and feet. Different standards are established for body parts reflecting their importance.
The verification conducted by the National Radio Research Agency measured the proportion of electromagnetic waves absorbed by the head, torso, and hands and feet from the iPhone 12 series according to international standards. The measurement results confirmed compliance with the electromagnetic wave human protection standards for the head (0.93?1.17 W/kg), torso (0.97?1.44 W/kg), and hands and feet (1.75?2.63 W/kg).
Although Korean standards are stricter than European ones, it is puzzling that only France reported exceeding the standard. This appears to be due to differences in measurement methods and whether the 'Body Detect' function was activated. When making a call with a smartphone, it is usually held close to the cheek, so the head absorption rate is measured by placing the device close to the face of a human model. However, since the phone is not held tightly against the body, hands and feet are typically measured with a 5?15 mm gap. But because France measured with the device in contact with the limbs, the same method was applied this time for hands and feet as well.
Additionally, it is known that the iPhone's Body Detect function was not activated during the French inspection. The Body Detect function lowers output when in contact with the body and increases output when no contact is detected. Measurements should consider the output lowered when the consumer holds the phone, but the French test measured with the phone placed on a table, resulting in higher output and thus the reported results.
Apple stated, "The iPhone 12 meets Korea's electromagnetic wave standards, and the incorrect results in France were due to the Body Detect function not operating properly during measurement." The Ministry of Science and ICT explained, "The higher electromagnetic wave measurement of the iPhone 12 in France was confirmed to be caused by the Body Detect function not operating during verification, differences in human protection standards, and higher device output in Europe compared to Korea."
No Smartphone Electromagnetic Wave Reinvestigation for 5 Years... "Periodic Post-Management Needed"
France, which previously reported exceeding the standard, resolved the electromagnetic wave issue through the iOS 17.1 update. However, since Korea's results meet government standards, it is unlikely that this update will be provided domestically.
The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "We will continue to strengthen electromagnetic wave safety management for major broadcasting and communication equipment, including mobile phones, to alleviate public concerns about electromagnetic waves," and added, "To dispel anxiety and concerns about electromagnetic waves, we plan to regularly measure and disclose electromagnetic waves for newly emerging small home appliances, seasonal products, and household appliances and living environments raised by civic groups using new technologies."
However, since smartphones are closely linked to daily life and public anxiety about electromagnetic waves is high, there are calls for a full electromagnetic wave survey of smartphones like in France. The Radio Waves Act already requires post-verification for devices that have passed conformity assessment if necessary. However, according to data on 'Non-compliant Equipment Response Status' received by Rep. Byun Jae-il of the Democratic Party from the Ministry of Science and ICT, there have been no cases of post-verification of smartphones distributed domestically in the past five years. Reinvestigation is only conducted when problems arise overseas or when separate reports are received and recognized by the government.
Rep. Byun Jae-il of the Democratic Party said, "At least for smartphones, which are closely related to people's lives, it is necessary to improve the system so that periodic post-management such as reinvestigation and retesting can be conducted like in France."
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