Do iPhones Emit More Radiation Than Other Phones?

For as long as we’ve used smartphones, rumors have swirled around them, usually revolving around them causing damage to our bodies. To make matters worse, there are conflicting accounts everywhere. Some agreeing, and some disagreeing. The only thing everyone agrees on is that indeed, phones do emit radiation. But what does that mean for you? Should you be worried that your iPhone emits radiation, for example? Below, we break down exactly what that means for you and your smartphone, so keep scrolling!

Why Should I Care that My iPhone Emits Radiation?

Good question! When it comes to smartphones, rumors abound. Especially alarming are ones that radiation from your phone may result in cancer. While no link between the two has been found, it is still important to stay in the know. Radiation, after all, can be harmful in different ways.

What Type of Radiation do Smartphones Emit?

If you immediately thought “there are different types of radiation?” you’re not alone. Not everyone is aware of the different types of radiation, and that’s okay. We’ll explain that now. Radiation (in this case) refers to the emission of energy from one point to another, usually in the form of electromagnetic waves. These are waves that travel through space carrying electromagnetic energy. Electromagnetic waves range from radio waves to ultraviolet light. 

Cell phones function by sending and receiving radiofrequency (RF) waves to and from cell towers. RF waves are a type of electromagnetic energy at the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum. As such, RF waves–along with radio waves and invisible light–are considered non-ionizing. This means that, at low levels, they do not carry enough energy to cause cell damage. By contrast, ionizing radiation, such as UV light, in fact, can cause harm to our cells, according to the American Cancer Society. 

So Just How Much Exposure to RF Radiation is Safe?

Naturally, this should be your next question. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set a limit for how much radiation a cell phone should emit. The radiation amount is measured at a specific absorption rate. SAR is the rate at which your body absorbs energy when exposed to RF electromagnetic fields. The FCC considers safe SAR levels below 1.6W/Kg (watts per kilogram). Smartphone manufacturers are required to report their devices’ SAR levels to the FCC for approval. 

Does My iPhone Emit Radiation at Higher Levels than Other Phones?

Comparing smartphones’ SAR levels is a tricky affair. There are several questions that arise. Does it matter if they’re all FCC compliant? Does SAR level vary among models of the same brand? How could one decide what SAR level is safe enough for them? 

The discussion around the effects of smartphone radiation is all over the place. While researchers have not proved that smartphone radiation is harmful, they haven’t proved that it’s harmless either. This means we should all continue to be interested in whether our phones emit radiation at high levels or not. 

As to whether or not SAR levels vary among company models, the answer is yes. iPhones do appear to be at the higher end of the spectrum, according to this EMF Academy article. Even so, all iPhones emit radiation at levels below the FCC ceiling. There is also variation within the models, so it all boils down to the phone model you have and not necessarily the manufacturer.  Of course, if this information got you thinking about exchanging your iPhone for a low SAR one, we can help with the first step by buying your old iPhone here. 

Is There Anything I Can Do to Protect Myself?

If the information above has you thinking that you should play it safe, we totally agree. The following tips will help you keep your cells just a little safer. 

• Get into the habit of using headphones, speakers, or a Bluetooth headset when speaking on the phone.
• Avoid charging your phone under the pillow.
• Avoid sleeping with your phone close to your body.
• Don’t leave your phone functioning at its maximum capacity if there is no need.

And above all, stay informed! As we stated earlier, research is still ongoing about the effects of RF radiation emitted by smartphones. The good news is that until now, RF radiation emitted by phones has not proven harmful. Staying informed will simply increase your knowledge and protect you against unfounded rumors.