Why Apple’s newest model literally maxes out U.S. radiation limits
In over 25 years of publishing SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) data, RF Safe has never seen what just happened with the iPhone 17 Air. Apple’s latest flagship was FCC-certified while hitting the U.S. legal radiation cap of 1.6 W/kg (1 g). Not close. Not under. Right at the line.
And that matters. Let’s break it down in plain English.
TL;DR
On the FCC’s own test summary, the iPhone 17 Air’s simultaneous-transmission results (cellular + Wi-Fi active) reach 1.595–1.597 W/kg. Round that to two decimals, and it reads 1.60 W/kg—the U.S. maximum. That’s not “comfortably below.” That is the limit.
Meanwhile, side-by-side with the iPhone 12—banned in France in 2023 for exceeding European SAR limits—the 17 Air is higher in nearly every category.
So why are we suddenly looking at three decimals in reports? Because without them, consumers would see “1.60”—and know this phone is maxing out the line.
What the Numbers Actually Show
Follow along with the FCC report and RF Safe’s comparison chart:
Cellular-Only Tests
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Head: iPhone 17 Air = 1.19, iPhone 12 = 1.168 → 17 Air higher
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Body: iPhone 17 Air = 1.189, iPhone 12 = 1.19 → essentially the same, both round to 1.19
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Product-Specific Use: iPhone 17 Air = 1.189, iPhone 12 = 1.19 → same story, both round to 1.19
Simultaneous (Cellular + Wi-Fi) — where risk rises
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Head: iPhone 17 Air = 1.582, iPhone 12 = 1.378 → 17 Air ~13% higher
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Body: iPhone 17 Air = 1.584, iPhone 12 = 1.554 → 17 Air higher
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Hotspot: iPhone 17 Air = 1.597, iPhone 12 = 1.554 → 17 Air higher, and rounds to 1.60
👉 Put plainly: the iPhone 17 Air hits the legal U.S. limit when both radios are on.
Why the Third Decimal Suddenly Matters
For decades, consumer-facing SAR specs were listed to two decimals. But as phones crept closer to the ceiling, a third decimal started showing up—making numbers like 1.595 look “under” instead of the rounded 1.60.
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1.597 W/kg is only 0.003 W/kg below the cap
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1.595 W/kg is only 0.005 W/kg below the cap
In real-world usage, nobody experiences the “third decimal.” They experience the radios, the body contact, and the exposure.
Context: Remember the iPhone 12 Ban in France
In 2023, France’s ANFR halted iPhone 12 sales after finding limb SAR exceeded EU limits. Apple patched it with a software update and the ban was lifted. The lesson? Regulators act when the numbers cross policy lines.
And the iPhone 17 Air is skating that line right now in the U.S.
Note: testing standards differ by region.
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U.S.: 1.6 W/kg over 1 g
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EU: 2.0 W/kg over 10 g for head/torso, 4.0 W/kg for limbs
Different denominators, same idea: cap human exposure.
Why RF Safe Matters More Than Ever
Most phone spec sites stop at cameras and processors. RF Safe goes further:
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We show all six FCC SAR tests (Head, Body, Hotspot—Cellular only and Simultaneous).
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You can compare up to four phones across all six tests.
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Each page includes a live ranking against our SAR database and % of the limit.
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We link the official FCC report at the bottom so you can verify.
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And we include plain-English safety notes about simultaneous radios and child exposure.
That’s why RF Safe is the go-to source for families who care about safety as much as specs.
🔗 Check the iPhone 17 Air SAR details here
Bottom Line
The iPhone 17 Air isn’t just close to the line—it is the line. Apple’s new “Air” might deserve a new nickname: the Air-Fryer.
When the difference between compliance and violation is a few thousandths of a watt per kilogram, it’s time for regulators—and consumers—to demand more than decimal games.
