SAR Values in Apple iPhones: Beyond Thermal Effects
In the realm of modern telecommunications, our reliance on mobile devices, especially smartphones, has brought to light an array of health-related inquiries, one of which centers around the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). SAR measures the rate at which the body absorbs electromagnetic energy during exposure to radiofrequency radiation from devices like mobile phones. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set guidelines to limit this exposure, but as technology evolves, so do concerns about the adequacy of these standards.
As of March 9, 2024, a comprehensive review of SAR values across Apple iPhone models reveals variations from the iPhone 3GS, with a head SAR of 1.19 W/kg and a body SAR of 0.67 W/kg, to the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, which shows a head SAR of 1.07 W/kg and a body SAR of 1.11 W/kg. While these values remain within FCC guidelines, a growing body of research suggests that the non-thermal effects of radiofrequency radiation could pose health risks that are not addressed by current regulations.
Many studies have indicated that beyond the thermal effects—the heating of tissue—there might be biological consequences to RFR exposure that could impact cellular processes, brain activity, and even cancer.
This concern was spotlighted in a landmark legal case against the FCC, where the court found that the Commission’s refusal to update its guidelines, despite new scientific evidence on non-thermal risks, was unjustifiable. This ruling underscores a critical gap in regulatory standards, which have not been revised to reflect the latest research findings on the non-thermal risks of RFR.
By delving into the SAR values of Apple iPhones and the emerging research on non-thermal RFR risks, we embark on a crucial conversation about the intersection of technology, health, and regulation.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these numbers represent the rate of absorption under specific conditions, primarily focusing on cellular connectivity.
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But what happens when we use our phones for more than just cellular communication? Activating Bluetooth, WiFi, or hotspot features will significantly alter the electromagnetic field around us, leading to SAR values that surpass those recorded during standard cellular use shown below.
iPhone SAR Levels (Cellular Only) WiFi and Bluetooth Turned Off
| Apple iPhone Model | Head SAR | Body SAR |
| iPhone 3GS | 1.19 W/kg | 0.67 W/kg |
|
iPhone 4 |
1.17 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 4S |
1.18 W/kg |
1.18 W/kg |
|
iPhone 5 |
1.06 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 5C |
1.19 W/kg |
1.18 W/kg |
|
iPhone 5S |
1.18 W/kg |
1.18 W/kg |
|
iPhone 6 |
1.18 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 6 Plus |
1.19 W/kg |
1.14 W/kg |
|
iPhone 6S |
1.14 W/kg |
1.14 W/kg |
|
iPhone 6S Plus |
1.12 W/kg |
1.14 W/kg |
|
iPhone SE |
1.14 W/kg |
1.14 W/kg |
|
iPhone 7 |
1.11 W/kg |
1.14 W/kg |
|
iPhone 7 Plus |
1.09 W/kg |
1.1 W/kg |
|
iPhone 8 |
1.14 W/kg |
1.08 W/kg |
|
iPhone 8 Plus |
1.19 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone X |
1.12 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone XR |
1.13 W/kg |
1.16 W/kg |
|
iPhone XS |
1.19 W/kg |
1.18 W/kg |
|
iPhone XS Max |
1.16 W/kg |
1.17 W/kg |
|
iPhone 11 |
1.14 W/kg | 1.17 W/kg |
|
iPhone 11 Pro |
1.16 W/kg |
1.18 W/kg |
|
iPhone 11 Pro Max |
1.16 W/kg |
1.17 W/kg |
|
iPhone SE (2nd Gen) |
1.17 W/kg |
1.20 W/kg |
|
iPhone 12 |
1.17 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 12 Mini |
1.19 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 12 Pro |
1.17 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 12 Pro Max |
1.17 W/kg |
1.20 W/kg |
|
iPhone 13 |
1.18 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 13 Mini |
1.19 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 13 Pro |
1.20 W/kg |
1.19 W/kg |
|
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
1.18 W/kg |
1.20 W/kg |
|
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
1.20 W/kg |
1.20 W/kg |
|
iPhone 14 |
1.15 W/kg |
1.16 W/kg |
|
iPhone 14 Plus |
1.14 W/kg |
1.15 W/kg |
|
iPhone 14 Pro |
1.15 W/kg |
1.15 W/kg |
|
iPhone 14 Pro Max |
1.15 W/kg |
1.07 W/kg |
|
iPhone 15 |
1.12 W/kg |
1.09 W/kg |
|
iPhone 15 Pro |
1.14 W/kg |
1.16 W/kg |
|
iPhone 15 Pro Max |
1.07 W/kg |
1.11 W/kg |
Important Notice: Understanding SAR Values for Cellular Use
Check SAR values for iPhones with Bluetooth and Wifi on here
As you explore the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values associated with Apple iPhones, it’s crucial to recognize that these figures reflect exposure levels under conditions of cellular use only. This means the SAR values listed, from the iPhone 3GS through to the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, are measured when the phone is transmitting at its highest certified power level in a controlled environment, without activating additional features that could increase exposure.
However, in our daily lives, we rarely use our smartphones for cellular communications alone. Engaging Bluetooth, WiFi, or hotspot functionalities are common practices that can significantly affect the overall radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure. When these features are activated, the SAR values can increase, leading to higher levels of electromagnetic energy absorption than the cellular-only SAR figures might suggest.
This distinction is vital for a comprehensive understanding of your smartphone’s impact on your health regarding electromagnetic exposure. The SAR values for cellular use provide a baseline, but it’s the cumulative exposure from all the device’s functionalities that truly defines your RFR interaction.
For those interested in a deeper dive into how different usage scenarios affect SAR values, including activities involving Bluetooth, WiFi, and hotspot connections, detailed information is available. We encourage you to visit your phone’s detailed SAR page on platforms like rfsafe.com. These resources offer extensive insights into the various tests conducted, including those for simultaneous transmissions, helping you to better understand the potential exposure in real-world conditions.
As consumers, it’s vital to stay informed about the devices we use daily, including understanding the SAR values of our smartphones and the research surrounding RFR exposure. The journey towards ensuring our technology is safe for continuous use is ongoing, and it behooves regulatory bodies, researchers, and device manufacturers to heed the call for updated guidelines that encompass all potential risks.
Awareness of the complete spectrum of SAR values, beyond just the cellular component, empowers users to make informed decisions about their technology use. It’s a step towards ensuring that our connectivity enriches our lives without compromising our health.
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