Apple explains in detail the capabilities of iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories to interfere with implantable medical devices

Since the launch of iPhone 12 models in October, Apple has acknowledged that the devices may cause electromagnetic interference with medical devices such as pacemakers and pacemakers, but the company has now shared additional information.

Apple added the following paragraph to the Support document Today:

Medical devices such as pacemakers and implantable pacemakers may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios on close contact. To avoid any possible interactions with these devices, keep iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm or more than 12 inches / 30 cm if charging wirelessly). But consult your doctor and the manufacturer of your device for specific instructions.

While the support document already mentioned „MagSafe Accessories“ in the title, Apple has also confirmed that accessories such as MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger may also interfere with medical devices:

All MagSafe accessories (each sold separately) also contain magnets – and the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger contain radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields may interfere with medical devices.

Apple continues to say that while all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than previous iPhone models, they „are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with medical devices than previous iPhone models.“

Earlier this month, prof Article in Heart Rhythm Journal He indicated that iPhone 12 models could „prevent a patient’s life-saving treatment“ due to magnetic interference with implantable medical devices. Three Michigan doctors tested this reaction by holding the iPhone 12 near the implanted patient’s pacemaker, which immediately went into a „suspended“ state for the duration of the test, according to the article.

Doctors wrote: „We come here with an important public health problem related to the latest generation of iPhone 12, which can prevent life-saving treatment in a patient, especially while carrying the phone in the upper pockets.“ „Medical device manufacturers and transplant physicians must remain vigilant in educating patients about this important interaction of the iPhone 12 and other smart wearable devices with their electronic heart implantable devices.“

The article appeared in Heart Rhythm Journal for the first time on the Brazilian website MacMagazine.

Apple provides more information at „Important safety information for iPhone“ section From the iPhone User’s Guide.