Apple has issued a warning to its customers that the magnets in the iPhone 12 could interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
The MagSafe technology found in the latest iPhone models enables wireless charging and allows you to attach various accessories to the back of the phone.
However, this new feature means that the smartphones contain more magnets than previous iPhone models.
Apple has warned that the electromagnetic fields released by MagSafe technology could pose a risk to medical equipment in the area.
The issue applies to all iterations of the iPhone 12, including the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, as well as all MagSafe accessories.
“Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact,” Apple explained in a notice on product safety published on the support page.
“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).”
Apple has also advised iPhone owners using medical devices to consult their medical device manufacturer and manufacturer for more detailed guidelines.
“If you suspect that your iPhone or MagSafe accessories are interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or MagSafe accessories,” the warning concluded.
The guidelines follow a study published in the journal Heart rate earlier this month, which found that an iPhone 12 could interfere with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
An accompanying report states that iPhone 12 models can “hinder life-saving therapy in a patient, especially if the phone is carried in the upper pockets.”
The report also referred to other cases where the magnets in the fitness wristbands could also deactivate an ICD up to 2.4 cm.