Although Apple long recognized that your iPhone 12 line and MagSafe accessories can interfere with medical devices, as pacemakers and defibrillators, launched additional guidance for people who use medical devices on Saturday. The message: Keep your iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories at a safe distance from your medical device.
In a support article, identified by 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 radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields can interfere with medical devices, Apple said.
“Medical devices, such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators, can contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact,” wrote Apple. “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 when charging wirelessly). But consult your doctor and the device manufacturer for specific guidelines. “
Defibrillators they are devices that restore a person’s normal heartbeat by sending an electrical pulse or shock to the heart. They can even help the heart to start beating again if it stops suddenly. PacemakersIn the meantime, use electrical pulses to help the heart beat at a normal rate and rhythm and also help the heart chambers to beat in sync so that the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
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Apple states that users should consult their doctors and medical device manufacturers for information about their specific devices. Users should ask whether they need to maintain a safe separation distance between their medical devices and their iPhone or MagSafe accessories. Apple repeated this advice in the safety information section of the iPhone User Guide.
The safety of some of Apple’s newest products has been a point of concern in recent weeks following the publication on one study authored by researchers at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, who found evidence that the iPhone 12 can interfere with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, also known as ICDs.
The researchers said that since the iPhone 12 – which has a circular array of magnets embedded in its back to allow it to fit into a MagSafe charger or other accessory – was placed close to the medical device near the patient’s heart, the device has been suspended from its operations.
Apple made a point of mentioning in its article that, although its iPhone 12 line has more magnets than the previous ones, “it is not expected” to present a greater risk of magnetic interference in medical devices than the previous models.
This is not intended to specifically destroy the iPhone 12 or MagSafe accessories. ICDs can be easily activated and deactivated by sources with magnetic fields, including Fitbits or vape pens. However, this is important information to consider when choosing a new phone or when use it, especially for those who depend on medical devices to stay healthy.
And if you think something isn’t right, take Apple’s word for it.
“If you suspect that the iPhone or any MagSafe accessory is interfering with your medical device, stop using the iPhone or MagSafe accessories,” wrote the company.