SAR Values of Apple iPhones

What are the SAR or Specific Absorption Rates for iPhones?

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- everything RF

Sep 29, 2023

SAR, or Specific Absorption Rate, is a measure of the rate at which RF energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to signals transmitted by wireless devices. It is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) and represents the amount of energy absorbed by body tissues around the head and torso. We have listed all SAR values of Apple iPhones from the iPhone 3GS to the current model (iPhone 15).

Apple's iPhones are among the most popular mobile devices and hence their SAR values are available as public information from Apple.

SAR values are provided for specific exposure scenarios, such as "head SAR" and "body SAR." 

  • Head SAR measures radiation absorption when the device is held close to the head during a call
  • Body SAR measures absorption when the device is held close to the torso, like in a pocket. 

These values help users understand the potential risks associated with different usage patterns. Knowing the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values of phones can be important for some individuals, but its significance varies depending on personal concerns and priorities.

SAR Values of All Apple iPhones over the years

Apple iPhone ModelHead SARBody SAR
iPhone 3GS1.19 W/kg0.67 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/kg1.17 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

Generally, lower SAR values indicate safer levels of RF radiation exposure. However, it's important to note that the SAR values alone don't provide a complete picture of safety. The duration and frequency of exposure also play a role. Short, infrequent use of a device with a slightly higher SAR value may still result in lower overall exposure compared to prolonged use of a device with a lower SAR value. 

To protect themselves from high radiation levels from mobile devices, consumers can take steps to minimize their exposure by choosing devices with lower SAR values, using speakerphones or headphones, and being mindful of how they carry and use their devices. By understanding SAR values and adopting safe usage practices, individuals can continue to enjoy the benefits of mobile technology while reducing their exposure to RF radiation.