Apple has warned its customers that magnets inside the iPhone 12 can interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
The MagSafe technology found in the latest iPhone models allows wireless charging and allows multiple accessories to be attached to the back of the phone.
This new functionality, however, means that smartphones contain more magnets than previous iPhone models.
Apple has warned that electromagnetic fields emitted by MagSafe technology could pose a potential risk to nearby medical equipment.
The problem concerns all iterations of the iPhone 12, including the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, as well as all MagSafe accessories.
“Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators can contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact,” explained Apple in a product safety notice posted on its support page.
“To avoid possible interactions with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance from the device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm away or more than 12 inches / 30 cm away if you are charging wirelessly).”
Apple also advised iPhone owners who use medical devices to consult with the doctor and the manufacturer of the medical device for more detailed guidance.
“If you suspect that your iPhone or any MagSafe accessory is interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or MagSafe accessories,” concluded the warning.
The guidelines follow a study published in the journal. Heart rhythm earlier this month, who discovered that an iPhone 12 could interfere with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD).
A accompanying report stated that iPhone 12 models can ‘potentially inhibit life-saving therapy in a patient, especially when carrying the phone in the upper pockets. “
The report also referred to other cases where the magnets inside the fitness tracker’s bracelets were also able to disable an ICD at distances of 2.4 cm.