Since the launch of the iPhone 12 in October, Apple has acknowledged that the devices can cause electromagnetic interference with medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, but the company has now shared additional information.
/article-new/2020/10/magsafecasedangle.jpg?resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)
Apple today added the following paragraph to an associated support document:
Medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid any potential interaction with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories at a safe distance from the device (more than 15 cm away or 30 cm away if charging wirelessly). But consult your doctor and device manufacturer for specific guidance.
While the support document already mentioned “MagSafe accessories” in the title, Apple further pointed out that accessories such as MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger can also interfere with 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 could interfere with medical devices.
Apple goes on to say that although all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than previous iPhone models, they are not expected to have a higher risk of magnetic interference from medical devices than previous iPhone models.
Earlier this month, an article in the Heart Rhythm Journal indicated that iPhone 12 models could “potentially inhibit a patient’s rescue therapy” due to magnetic interference with implantable medical devices. Three doctors in Michigan tested this interaction by holding an iPhone 12 near a patient’s implantable cardioverter defibrillator, which immediately went into a “suspended” state during the test, according to the article.
“We bring here an important public health issue regarding the new generation of iPhone 12, which can inhibit the rescue therapy of a patient, especially while carrying the phone in the top pockets,” the doctors wrote. “Medical device manufacturers and implant doctors should remain vigilant in making patients aware of this significant interaction of the iPhone 12 and other smart wearable devices with their electronic heart implantable devices.”
The article in the Heart Rhythm Journal first appeared on the Brazilian website MacMagazine.
Apple provides more information in the “Important iPhone Safety Information” section of the iPhone User Guide.