Keep iPhone 12 and MagSafe away from medical devices

Although Apple has long recognized that its iPhone 12 range and MagSafe accessories may interfere with medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, it released additional tips for people who use medical devices on Saturdays. The message: Keep your iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories a safe distance from your medical device.

In a support article, marked with MacRumors, Apple explains that the iPhone 12 contains magnets as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. The company also said that all of its MagSafe accessories also contain magnets and that its MagSafe charger and MagSafe Duo charger contain magnets. radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields can interfere with medical devices, Apple said.

“Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact,” Apple wrote. “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. “

Defibrillators are devices that restore a person’s normal heart rhythm by sending an electrical impulse or shock to the heart. They can even help the heart to start beating again if it suddenly stops. Pacemakers, meanwhile, use electrical impulses to help the hearts beat at a normal rate and rhythm, and help the heart chambers to beat in a synchronized manner so that the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Apple says users should consult their doctors and medical device manufacturers for information about their particular devices. Users should consider whether they should maintain a safe separation distance between their medical devices and their iPhone or MagSafe accessories. Apple repeated this advice in the security information section of its iPhone user guide.

The safety of some of Apple’s latest products has been a concern in recent weeks following publication of a study written by researchers at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute who found evidence that the iPhone 12 can interfere with automatic implantable defibrillators, also known as ICDs.

The researchers said that once the iPhone 12 – which has a circular array of magnets built into its back to allow it to snap onto a MagSafe charger or other accessory – was placed near the medical device near the patient’s heart, the device suspended from operations.

Apple was keen to mention in its article that although its iPhone 12 line has more magnets than older iPhone lines, it “shouldn’t” pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with medical devices than it does. previous models.

This is not intended to specifically disparage the iPhone 12 or MagSafe accessories. AIDs can be easily turned on and off by sources with magnetic fields, including Fitbits or vape pens. However, this is important information to consider when choosing a new phone or use it, especially for those who rely on medical devices to stay healthy.

And if you think something’s wrong, take Apple’s word for it.

“If you suspect that the iPhone or any MagSafe accessory is interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or the MagSafe accessories,” the company wrote.