Apple Watch EMF Radiation and Protection

Fitness trackers have been popular for a while now, but as these devices get smarter and more connected, should we be worried about the amount of radiation they are producing?

There have been concerns over the amount of EMF radiation coming from the Apple Watch, and similar devices, and what we can do to protect ourselves. I wanted to look into this and see what I can find out about this danger.

First let's talk about what we know, and what we can assume, and then we'll take a look at just how much radiation these devices are producing.

If you want to skip straight to any particular section, use the table of contents below.

Does The Apple Watch Emit EMF Radiation?

Absolutely. The Apple Watch is one of the most connected devices you can put on your wrist, as it connects via Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular.

One of the major dangers with wearable tech like the Apple watch is that it is constantly in direct contact with your skin.

The Apple watch emits some of all three kinds of EMF radiation, including radio frequency, magnetic field, and electric field radiation.

Magnetic field radiation, which I've talked about in other articles, is emitted from most electronics.

For example, if you own an EMF meter and were to measure the magnetic radiation from your laptop or TV you'd notice it's fairly high.

Your Apple Watch will certainly not emit that high of radiation, but the proximity of that radiation is also much closer.

Your Apple Watch will also emit radiofrequency radiation. This is the same type of radiation that makes cell-phones and WiFi routers a concern. 

Essentially radio frequency radiation is emitted whenever devices communicate wirelessly, whether that is via Bluetooth, cellular signals, or anything else.

Radiation from your watch increases during activities like calls or streaming, as the device works harder to maintain a connection.

Since an Apple watch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth it already emits a fair amount of EMF radiation.

With the introduction of the Apple watch series 5 in September of 2019, Apple watches now also can be separately connected to a cellular connection just like your cell phone.

Although this improves connectivity for the devices and can offer some emergency services, it also means that the device emits far more EMF radiation.

We'll talk about just how much radiation down below, including a full chart listing the radiation levels of every Apple watch.

As we know from other posts, proximity to the source of EMF radiation is extremely crucial.

The inverse-square law of physics tells us that as we double our distance from a radiation source, we quarter our exposure. When we put something directly against our body, like a cell phone or an Apple watch, we absorb the absolute maximum amount of radiation.

Check out the video below to see the Apple watch emitting radiation in action:

Is Apple Watch Radiation a concern?

As you likely know from the other posts on this website, EMF radiation has been known to cause symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Mood Swings
• Heart Arrhythmia
• Ashma
• Fertility Issues
• Digestive Issues
• Memory Problems
• Sleep Issues

Check out my full post on symptoms of EMF radiation. 

Although devices like the Apple watch are extremely convenient and provide connectivity like nothing we've seen before, the risks may simply not be worth the reward.

We know the impact that significant exposure to EMF radiation has on the body, and in the months and years to come, we will see how this is accelerated by an increase in wearable tech, the introduction of 5G, and the multitude of other EMF radiation exposures.

If you're looking for wearable fitness trackers that don’t rely on Bluetooth or WiFi and emit lower levels of radiation, check out my guide on the best non-Bluetooth fitness trackers for safer options.

Can The Apple Watch Increase Cancer Risks?

The Apple Watch is too new of a device to make any direct links between things like increased cancer risks and wearable tech.

However, what we do have is what radiation from similar devices and similar sources of EMF radiation can do to the body, and make inferences about the dangers.

First of all, EMF radiation has consistently shown that it affects and causes mutations, in human DNA.

This is believed to be one of the likely reasons we see increases in significant health issues such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and more.

DNA is the genetic material that makes us who we are and defines how our bodies operate. Mutations in DNA are believed to be an initial step in the creation of cancer cells in the body.

Studies and cumulate research collections have concluded that EMF radiation from devices like wearable tech and cell phones shows a direct correlation to an increased risk of developing brain tumors (glioma) and other cancers.

Another review of 16 studies done over a period of time concluded that the risk of developing a brain tumor on the same side of the head as our typical cell phone use was increased nearly 2.5 times.

Yet another study conducted in Israel determined that cell phone users who were using their phones more than 20 hours a month had nearly double the chance of developing cancers in the salivary gland.

A columnist named Nick Bilton published an article in early 2015 stating that consistent exposure to low-level radiation from devices like the Apple Watch and other wearable tech may increase chances of cancerous tumors, blood issues, and more.

Does Apple Publish Information About EMF Radiation From The Apple Watch?

Yes, they do, for any cellular-connected devices, like cell phones, manufacturers are required to publish Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for each device.

First let's talk a little bit about what this rating means, and how reliable it is, and then we'll look at the numbers for the Apple Watch.

What Is Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)?

In late 1996, the FCC published rules about the amount of EMF exposure that was safe and legal for cell phones and other connected device manufacturers.

These guidelines outlined and defined what the specific absorption rate (SAR) would measure, and how this measurement would be done.

They concluded that the maximum SAR for any device should be 1.6 w/kg of body weight for any device.

They came to this conclusion primarily based on the thermal aspect of EMF radiation.

However, they failed to factor in the emerging body of research and knowledge over the other damaging effects of EMF radiation, such as the symptoms we talked about above, as well as an increased risk of cancer and other significant diseases.

The SAR level that the FCC outlined is defined based on 30 minutes of use, with a cell phone (or other devices) directly against the head.

In this manner, the SAR determines the maximum exposure.

Since both distance and manner of use for the phone dramatically influence the amount of radiation released, these numbers can be all over the place.

How SAR is Measured in Simple Terms

• Head Measurement: SAR is measured by placing the watch 10mm away from the head, simulating conditions like taking a call or streaming audio.
• Wrist Measurement: SAR is measured directly on the wrist, which is the typical position for wearables.

Key takeaway: The closer the device is to your body, the higher the radiation exposure.

Are SAR Levels A Good Indicator Of How Dangerous An Apple Watch Is?

For the most part, probably not, and here are a few reasons why. SAR measurements attempt to find the maximum EMF radiation exposure amount from the device, but this can vary quite a bit depending on what the device is doing.

For example, if your Apple Watch or other smart device is connected to multiple Bluetooth devices, as well as connected via cellular, and possibly WiFi as well, the resulting radiation will be extremely high. If the device is connected to none or less of these, the radiation will be lower.

The initial testing was based on cell phones but is still applicable to devices like this. The FCC writes on their website in regards to SAR reliability:

“cell phones constantly vary their power to operate at the minimum power necessary for communications; operation at maximum power occurs infrequently. Consequently, cell phones cannot be reliably compared for their overall exposure characteristics on the basis of a single SAR value.”

A few other reasons that SAR levels can be unreliable:

• Children's brains are much softer and have been shown to absorb higher amounts of radiation. and SAR levels are based on an adult brain.
• SAR levels only give us information about how much radiation they emit when in use against the body, but do not tell us about how much radiation they emit when not in use. For example, cell phones and computers can have a significant impact on male fertility due to constant EMF exposure.
• The dummies used in SAR testing contain only liquids, meant to replicate the human body. However, many people have metal fillings, are wearing earrings, wear glasses, etc. All of these can impact how the radiation is absorbed and amplified.

Ok, now let's take a look at what Apple says about the Apple Watch SAR levels.

Apple Watch Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Levels

I put together the first completely comprehensive list of the SAR levels of every Apple watch based on the information Apple offers on its website.

First though, quickly read through the disclaimer that Apple places on its website:

Apple Watch has been tested and meets applicable limits for radio frequency (RF) exposure.

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) refers to the rate at which the body absorbs RF energy. SAR limits depend on whether Apple Watch is used against the head or on the wrist. In some countries, the SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram averaged over 1 gram of tissue for use against the head and 4.0 watts per kilogram averaged over 10 grams of tissue for use on the wrist. In other countries, the SAR limit is 2.0 watts per kilogram averaged over 10 grams of tissue for use against the head and 4.0 watts per kilogram averaged over 10 grams of tissue for use on the wrist.

During testing, Apple Watch radios are set to their highest transmission levels and placed in positions that simulate use against the head, with 10mm separation, and on the wrist, with no separation. When placing Apple Watch near your face, keep at least 10mm of separation to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels.

The highest SAR values are as follows:

So in the United States, the SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram in relation to the head, and 4.0 W/kg when measured on the wrist.

The important thing to glean from that disclaimer is that when measured, Apple watches are 10mm away from the head and in contact with the wrist when measured.

Ok, now let's look at those SAR levels, here's a handy chart I made:

Apple Watch Radiation (Specific Absorption Rates) Chart

Apple Watch Model	Model Number(s)	1.6 W/kg (over 1 g) SAR Limit – Head	2.0 W/kg (over 10 g) SAR Limit – Head	4.0 W/kg (over 10 g) SAR Limit – Wrist
Apple Watch Ultra	A2684	0.93	0.35	0.60
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS)	A2770, A2271	0.23 – 0.31	0.17 – 0.26	0.16 – 0.28
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular)	A2772, A2773, A2857, A2774, A2775, A2858	0.76 – 1.16	0.25 – 0.31	0.50 – 0.55
Apple Watch SE (GPS)	A2722, A2723	1.16	0.10 – 0.24	0.06 – 0.07
Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular)	A2725, A2726, A2855, A2724, A2727, A2856	0.77 – 0.99	0.13 – 0.27	1.35 – 1.96
Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS)	A2473, A2474	0.35 – 0.39	0.25 – 0.26	0.03 – 0.40
Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular)	A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478	0.96 – 1.10	0.55 – 0.70	0.50 – 1.50
Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS)	A2291, A2292	0.24 – 0.40	0.14 – 0.23	0.04
Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular)	A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376	0.70 – 1.19	0.29 – 0.97	0.30 – 0.31
Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) (GPS)	A2351	0.34	0.20	0.14
Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) (GPS + Cellular)	A2353, A2354, A2355, A2356	0.42 – 0.68	0.18 – 0.50	0.81 – 0.92
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS)	A2092, A2093	0.16 – 0.31	0.06 – 0.09	0.07 – 0.08
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular)	A2094, A2095, A2156, A2157	0.33 – 0.59	0.34 – 0.36	0.34 – 0.39
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS)	A1977, A1978	0.17 – 0.18	0.07 – 0.11	0.07 – 0.10
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular)	A1975, A1976, A2007, A2008	0.25 – 0.37	0.22 – 0.27	0.26 – 0.36
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS)	A1858, A1859	0.11 – 0.17	0.03 – 0.04	0.023 – 0.034
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)	A1860, A1861, A1889, A1890, A1891, A1892	0.16 – 0.53	0.04 – 0.16	0.14 – 0.34
Apple Watch Series 2	A1757, A1758, A1816, A1817	0.175 – 0.182	0.056 – 0.058	0.049 – 0.054
Apple Watch Series 1	A1802, A1803	0.169 – 0.210	0.041 – 0.057	0.018
Apple Watch (1st Generation)	A1553, A1554	0.109 – 0.153	0.037 – 0.073	0.024 – 0.061

Note: SAR values can vary between different models and configurations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to Apple's official regulatory information.

Some Key Takeaways:

• Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation, GPS + Cellular) have the highest SAR values, indicating more RF exposure potential when used.
• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) have the lowest SAR values, making them comparatively safer in terms of RF exposure.

If minimizing radiation is a priority, consider older GPS-only models like the Series 3 or Series 5, and follow our tips to reduce exposure.

Which Apple Watch Has The Lowest Radiation Levels?

When we're looking at which Apple watch has the highest or lowest radiation levels, we have to look at two measurements, the head measurement, which is measured at 10mm of separation, and the wrist measurement which is taken with no separation.

Lowest Head SAR Levels (1.6 W/kg over 1 g):

• Model: Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) (A2093)
• SAR: 0.16 W/kg

Lowest Wrist SAR Levels (4.0 W/kg over 10 g):

• SAR: 0.023 – 0.034 W/kg
• Model: Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) (A1858, A1859)

Which Apple Watch Has The Highest Radiation Levels?

Highest Head SAR Levels (1.6 W/kg over 1 g):

• Model: Apple Watch Ultra (A2684)
• SAR: 0.93 W/kg

Highest Wrist SAR Levels (4.0 W/kg over 10 g):

• SAR: 1.96 W/kg
• Model: Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) (2nd Generation) (A2725, A2726, A2855)

Apple Watch EMF Protection

The best thing you could do would be not to wear it, but as that may not be the easiest option for many, let’s talk about some other things you can do.

1. Use Airplane Mode

One of the absolute best things you can do to protect yourself from the EMF radiation emitted from your Apple watch is to put it in airplane mode whenever it's reasonable to do so.

If you take a few seconds and watch the video I embedded above, you'll notice that when the Apple watch is put into Airplane mode, the RF emissions drop to virtually zero. You are still able to utilize much of the functionality of the watch without any of the radiation issues.

Not, obviously when it's in this mode, there are going to be features that are disabled, but since it only takes a few taps of your fingers to swap between modes, its probably worth doing so whenever you can.

With your watch in Airplane mode, you can still:

• Track workouts
• Look through photos
• Check your heart rate
• Etc.

To put your Apple watch in Airplane mode:

1. Press the digital crown button on the right-hand side of the watch face.
2. Tap the Settings icon.
3. Tap Airplane Mode
4. Tap the Airplane Mode toggle to turn it on or off.

Doing this will dramatically lower your exposure to Apple Watch radiation.

Here is a quick video I made demonstrating how to turn on or off Airplane mode on your Apple Watch:

2. Don't Wear Your Apple Watch At Night

Next, if you can live without the sleep tracking (and it's worth it to live without it) take your Apple watch off at night.

This alone will reduce your overall exposure to the device by 33% (just because you're wearing it 1/3 less of the time!)

At night, take it off, and turn it off. Don't take the Apple watch off and leave it on next to your head, because as you can see from the SAR ratings below, you'll still be exposed to radiation.

Best EMF Blockers and Protection For Apple Watch

Alright, now let's take a few minutes and talk about products designed to protect us from Apple Watch radiation.

To start with, you can't simply block the radiation from an Apple watch and still be wearing it.

If you think about a cell phone, you can either block the radiation from reaching your head, which is what cell-phone protection cases do.

You can also place your cell phone in a Faraday bag when you're not using it which will block the radiation.

However, when you're wearing an Apple watch, you need both sides of the watch for it to operate. The front has the face which you need to be able to see, and the back has all of the heart rate sensors.

So, unlike most EMF protection products, we can't simply block the radiation from the watch.

Instead, we have to rely on products that claim to “neutralize” or “harmonize” the radiation from the device.

Now, the problem with these types of products is that I can't measure a reduction and therefore can't say for certain that they work.

So, I'm going to mention a few here, but you'll have to do your own research and make your own judgment call as to whether they do in fact reduce the radiation from your Apple watch.

EMF Harmony EMF Protection Apple Watchband

View the product here.

This is without a doubt the most popular Apple watch EMF protection device on the market. It's actually a full Apple watchband that comes in different sizes and two colors that claim to support your health and protect you from RF radiation.

According to EMF Harmony, the company that designed and sells the product, the watchband offers two levels of protection:

1. Harmonizes the EMFs from your Apple Watch to minimize their damaging effects on your health
2. Supports your body against other EMFs you come into contact with as you move through the world

They say that is able to do this through a proprietary process of storing energetic information in the product that is able to emit vibration frequencies into the environment.

These frequencies harmonize the negative effects of the radiation emitted from your Apple watch.

What I love about EMF Harmony as a company, is that actually they have a whole page of research that you can look at showing how and why their products work.

The watchband will fit any series of Apple watches. If you want to read more about how the band works to protect you, check out the product here.

The other thing I suggest is that everyone considers getting an EMF meter. 

No matter where you currently are in your journey to understand the dangers of EMF radiation, this will be your best tool, and I promise you'll end up using it all the time.

This is also important when you’re looking to make changes because you can actually determine if they’re working.

I personally have and love the new TriField TF2 (read my review) as it’s simple to use, lasts forever, is extremely accurate, and measures all three types of EMF radiation. It's the EMF meter you see me using in the picture above.

I hope you enjoyed my article on “Apple Watch EMF Radiation Protection.” If you did, please consider sharing it!