Although Apple has recognized for a long time that its range of iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories can interfere with medical devices, as pacemakers and defibrillators, it was released additional guidance for people who use medical devices on Saturdays. The message: Keep your iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories at a safe distance from your medical device.
In a support article, seen by MacRumors, Apple explains that the iPhone 12 contains magnets, as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. The company also claimed 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 may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact,” Apple wrote. “To avoid possible interactions 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 the device manufacturer for specific guidelines “.
Defibrillators they are devices that restore a person’s normal heartbeat by sending a pulse or an electric shock to the heart. They can even help the heart start beating again if it suddenly stops. Pacemakermeanwhile, use electric pulses to help hearts beat at a normal rate and pace and also to help the heart chambers beat synchronously so that the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
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Apple claims that users should consult their doctors and medical device manufacturers for information about their particular devices. Users should ask themselves whether they should maintain a safe separation distance between their medical devices and their iPhone or MagSafe accessories. Apple repeated this advice in the safety information section from your iPhone User Guide.
The security of some of Apple’s latest products has been a cause for concern in recent weeks after publication of a to study written 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 claimed that once the iPhone 12, which has a circular series of magnets built into the back to allow it to be adopted into a MagSafe charger or other accessory, was placed near the device. doctor near the patient’s heart, the device was suspended his operations.
Apple made a mention in the article that while its iPhone 12 line has more magnets than the previous ones, it is not expected to pose a risk of magnetic interference for medical devices than previous models.
This is not intended to specifically destroy the accessories of the iPhone 12 or MagSafe. CDIs can be easily turned on and off using sources with magnetic fields included Fitbits or vape pens. However, this is important information to keep in mind when choosing a new phone or when use it, especially for those who rely on medical devices to stay healthy.
And if you think something is wrong, consider Apple’s word.
“If you suspect that your iPhone or any MagSafe accessory is interfering with your medical device, stop using the iPhone or MagSafe accessories,” the company wrote.