Apple elaborates on the potential of the iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories to interfere with implantable medical devices

Since launching the iPhone 12 models in October, Apple has acknowledged that the devices can cause electromagnetic interference with medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, but the company has now shared additional information.

Apple added the following paragraph to a related support document today:

Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid potential interaction with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance from your device (over 6 inches / 15 cm away or over 12 inches / 30 cm when charging wirelessly) . But consult your doctor and the manufacturer of your device for specific guidelines.

While the support document already mentioned “MagSafe Accessories” in the title, Apple further pointed out that accessories such as the MagSafe charger and MagSafe Duo charger can also interfere with medical devices:

All MagSafe accessories (each sold separately) also contain magnets and the MagSafe charger and MagSafe Duo charger contain radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields can interfere with medical devices.

Apple continues to claim that while all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than previous iPhone models, they are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with devices. medical devices than previous iPhone models.

Earlier this month, a Heart Rhythm Journal article reported that iPhone 12 models could “potentially inhibit life-saving therapy in a patient” due to magnetic interference with implantable medical devices. Three Michigan doctors tested this interaction by holding an iPhone 12 near a patient’s implantable cardioverting defibrillator, who immediately went into a “suspended” state for the duration of the test, according to the article.

“We bring here a significant public health concern regarding the next generation iPhone 12 which can potentially inhibit life-saving therapy in a patient, particularly while carrying the phone in the upper pockets,” the doctors wrote. “Medical device manufacturers and implant physicians must remain vigilant in educating patients about this significant interaction of the iPhone 12 and other smart wearable devices with their cardiac implantable electronic devices.

The Heart Rhythm Journal article was first published by the Brazilian website MacMagazine.

Apple provides more information in the “Important Safety Information for iPhone” section of the iPhone User Guide.