After the iPhone 12 models were released last October, Apple acknowledged that these MagSafe-enabled devices could cause interference with medical devices.
Now, Apple has updated the technical support documentation on its website with an important safety reminder for iPhone 12 users.
Apple updated the technical support document on its website on January 23rd regarding "magnets in the iPhone 12 series and MagSafe magnetic accessories".
Apple says that magnets are included in iPhone, as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields, and that magnets are included in all MagSafe Magnetic Accessories, which are sold separately.
And both the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Dual Charger contain radio devices, and these magnets and electromagnetic fields can cause interference with medical devices.
Medical devices such as implantable pacemakers and defibrillators may contain sensors that react to magnets and radio devices when in close contact.
To avoid any potential interactions with these medical devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe magnetic accessories at a safe distance from your medical device, and consult with your doctor and the device manufacturer for specific guidelines.
In "Important Safety Information for iPhone," Apple also says that iPhone contains magnets and some components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields.
These magnets and electromagnetic fields may interfere with medical devices, such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, pacemakers, defibrillators, or other medical devices.
If you suspect that iPhone is interfering with your medical device, stop using iPhone.
Apple also emphasizes that while all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than previous iPhone models, the risk of electromagnetic interference with medical devices is not expected to be higher than with previous iPhone models.
A study in the Heart Rhythm Journal found that the iPhone 12's MagSafe technology can deactivate pacemakers in some cases, 9to5mac reports.
Again, the problem is with the magnets themselves, not necessarily the iPhone 12; any magnet with a certain strength can have an effect on pacemakers.