Not Just MagSafe: Apple Reminds Users Not To Hold iPhones Near Pacemakers

This week, Apple released clarifications in its support materials to address consumer concerns that, due to the presence of the MagSafe magnetic system in new iPhones, the iPhone 12 and its 2020 peers are particularly dangerous to hold. near an implantable Cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker.

Apple’s updated warning to customers repeats previous claims that keeping an iPhone within six inches of an ICD or pacemaker (or within 15 inches, when wireless charging) n is not sure. The disclaimer also claims that the iPhone 12 is not specifically more dangerous than the other models.

Several weeks ago, Heart Rhythm Journal published the results of a test in which it repeatedly found that moving an iPhone 12 with MagSafe near a patient’s ICD interferes with the operation of that device. safety. Following this report, tech enthusiasts took to forums, Twitter, and Reddit to spread speculation that the iPhone 12 was particularly dangerous for people with pacemakers due to the introduction of MagSafe.

However, the newspaper did not mention that modern smartphones already contain magnets and emit signals that force ICD or pacemaker users to keep them several inches away from these medical devices, even before MagSafe was introduced in the market. the iPhone range in 2020.

In other words, it is indeed dangerous to hold the iPhone 12 near these medical devices – but it was also dangerous to do so with the iPhone 11, iPhone X or any competing smartphones. In its update to the support document, Apple claims that the iPhone 12’s MagSafe feature does not change its warning because the warning was already in place.

This is what he says:

IPhone contains magnets as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. 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.

Although all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than previous iPhone models, they are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than the D models. ‘previous iPhones.

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.

For those unfamiliar with: MagSafe is a feature of newer iPhones that, among other things, allows devices to magnetically attach to a small Qi wireless charger. This magnetic alignment allows for more optimal charging speeds than in previous iPhone models.

MagSafe was previously offered on Macs as well, albeit in a slightly different form. And recent reports suggest it may return to the Mac soon.

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