Apple has consistently disclosed the possibility of the iPhone 12 to cause electromagnetic interference with medical devices such as the pacemaker and defibrillators right from when the models were launched in October last year. This warning applies to most electronic gadgets with radio properties but Apple is sending out an additional warning due to the release of the Magsafe charger.
Apple recently updated a support document on the subject matter, adding the following;
“Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators might contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid any potential interactions with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm apart or more than 12 inches / 30 cm apart if wirelessly charging). But consult with your physician and your device manufacturer for specific guidelines.”
Apple also specifically warned about accessories like the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger, stating that it may also interfere with medical devices:
“All MagSafe accessories (each sold separately) also contain magnets—and MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger contain radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields might interfere with medical devices.”
Despite the warnings, Apple insists that even though all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than prior iPhone models, they are “not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than prior iPhone models.”
Independent research findings published earlier this month in the Heart Rhythm Journal (via) indicated that iPhone 12 models can “potentially inhibit lifesaving therapy in a patient” due to magnetic interference with implantable medical devices. Three Michigan-based doctors tested this interaction by holding an iPhone 12 near a patient’s implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The article shows that the device immediately went into a “suspended” state for the duration of the test.
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