Since the launch of the iPhone 12 last October 2021, Apple has constantly and consistently reminded users of the devices of potential electromagnetic interference with medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Now, with the release of the Magsafe charger, the company has released additional reminders.
An update has been to a support document concerning the subject matter. It states:
“Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators might contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid any potential interactions with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm apart or more than 12 inches / 30 cm apart if wirelessly charging). But consult with your physician and your device manufacturer for specific guidelines.”
Apple also warned users that the accessories such as the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger might impose interference, especially to medical devices.
“All MagSafe accessories (each sold separately) also contain magnets—and MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger contain radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields might interfere with medical devices.”
Although all iPhone 12 models have more magnets than the previous models, Apple says that they are “not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than prior iPhone models.”
Independent research has surfaced recently earlier this month and in the Heart Rhythm Journal, they stated that iPhone 12 models can “potentially inhibit lifesaving therapy in a patient” due to magnetic interference with implantable medical devices, An experiment then was made by three Michigan-based doctors using iPhone 12 model. They placed the iPhone 12 near a patient’s implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. According to the article, the device went to a “suspended” state when the phone was in range for the duration of the test.
Read: Apple may remove USB port from iPhone 13 to make way for MagSafe
