Earlier this month, a study by the Heart Rhythm Journal indicated that the iPhone’s new MagSafe technology could disable pacemakers in certain situations. Apple responded to these claims by updating a support document on its website with new advice for iPhone 12 users with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators.
However, it still emphasizes that the iPhone 12 does not pose a greater risk of magnetic interference on medical devices than previous iPhone models. ‘
As first seen by MacRumors, the support document was first published when the iPhone 12 was launched, and Apple added a new paragraph focusing on users with implanted medical devices. Apple says these users should keep their iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories more than 6 inches from the medical device:
Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators can include sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To prevent potential interactions with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories at a safe distance from your device (more than 15 cm apart or more than 30 cm apart when charging wirelessly). Consult your doctor and your device manufacturer for specific guidelines.
However, Apple still adds that although iPhone 12 models “contain more magnets than previous iPhone models”, they are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference on medical devices than previous iPhone models. “
Apple also has new advice for users of MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger:
All MagSafe accessories (each sold separately) also include magnets – and MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger include radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields can interfere with medical devices.
As we reported last month, a study done by the Heart Rhythm Journal found that a Medtronic pacemaker can be deactivated by holding an iPhone 12 nearby. Again, this is about the magnets themselves, not necessarily the iPhone 12. Any magnet of the right strength can affect a pacemaker.
You can find Apple’s full support document, titled “About the magnets inside iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and MagSafe accessories,” on the Apple Support Web site.
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