Not just MagSafe: Apple reminds users not to hold iPhones close to pacemakers

This week, Apple released clarifications to its support documents to address consumer concerns that, because of the presence of the MagSafe magnetic system in new iPhones, the iPhone 12 and its 2020 peers are particularly unsafe to be kept close to a Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker.

Apple’s updated alert for customers echoes previous claims that keeping any iPhone less than six inches from an ICD or pacemaker (or 15 inches while charging wirelessly) is not safe. The notice also states that the iPhone 12 is not specifically more dangerous than other models.

Several weeks ago, the Heart Rhythm Journal published the results of a test in which it repeatedly found that moving an iPhone 12 with MagSafe close to a patient’s ICD interfered with the operation of that life-saving device. After that report, tech enthusiasts visited forums, Twitter and Reddit to spread speculation that the iPhone 12 was particularly dangerous for people with pacemakers because of the introduction of MagSafe.

However, the newspaper did not mention that modern smartphones already contained magnets and emit signals that require users with ICDs or pacemakers to keep them several inches away from these medical devices, even before the introduction of MagSafe on the iPhone line in 2020.

In other words, it is not safe to hold the iPhone 12 close to these medical devices – but it is also not safe to do so with the iPhone 11, iPhone X or any other competing smartphone. In its update of the support document, Apple claims that the MagSafe feature of the iPhone 12 does not change its warning, because the warning was already in effect.

Here’s what it says:

The 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 in medical devices than previous iPhone models.

Medical devices, such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators, may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. 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). However, consult your doctor and the device manufacturer for specific guidelines.

For those unfamiliar: MagSafe is a feature of the new iPhones that, among other things, allows devices to connect magnetically to a small Qi wireless charging base. This magnetic alignment allows for faster loading speeds than previous iPhone models.

MagSafe was also previously offered on Macs, although in a slightly different way. And recent reports suggest that it will soon be able to return to the Mac.

List image by Samuel Axon