Apple Elaborates on Potential for iPhone 12 and MagSafe Accessories to Interfere With Implantable Medical Devices

[MacRumors]

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

Apple added the following paragraph to a related support document today:

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.

While the support document already mentioned "MagSafe accessories" in the title, Apple has further emphasized that accessories like the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger 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.

Apple continues to state that while 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."

Earlier this month, an article in the Heart Rhythm Journal indicated that iPhone 12 models can "potentially inhibit lifesaving therapy in a patient" due to magnetic interference with implantable medical devices. Three doctors in Michigan tested this interaction by holding an iPhone 12 near a patient's implantable cardioverter defibrillator, which immediately went into a "suspended" state for the duration of the test, according to the article.

"We hereby bring an important public health issue concerning the newer generation iPhone 12 which can potentially inhibit lifesaving therapy in a patient particularly while carrying the phone in upper pockets," the doctors wrote. "Medical device manufacturers and implanting physicians should remain vigilant in making patients aware of this significant interaction of the iPhone 12 and other smart wearables with their cardiac implantable electronic devices."

The article in the Heart Rhythm Journal was first surfaced by Brazilian website MacMagazine.

Apple provides more information in the "Important safety information for iPhone" section of the iPhone User Guide.

Article Link: Apple Elaborates on Potential for iPhone 12 and MagSafe Accessories to Interfere With Implantable Medical Devices

 

[mikedis]

Never thought I’d live to see the day that a major phone manufacturer had to tell people to be careful not to accidentally kill them selves with their phones...

 

[Protocol41]

Sounds like an episode of Homeland.

 

[xxray]

I know this doesn't affect most people, but the cons of MagSafe on the iPhone 12 series seem to outweigh the pros.

 

[monroerr]

One has never been recommended to carry any device such as a smart phone or anything magnetic in your upper pockets with any chest implanted electronic device. That has always been the case. Just like you don't go through metal detectors or let TSA wand you.

 

[Apple_Robert]

One has never been recommended to carry any device such as a smart phone or anything magnetic in your upper pockets with any chest implanted electronic device. That has always been the case. Just like you don't go through metal detectors or let TSA wand you.

You are correct. What was noted by the doctors is nothing new. It has been warned about for decades.

It is good that Apple went ahead and edited the document, which will hopefully lessen the likelihood of someone suing them over this.

 

[xbjllb]

This ended well.

 

[UrbanJoe1]

How they like to say, “And Only Apple could have done this.”

 

[Wayfarer]

Is just me or is MagSafe getting less and less appealing? Lol

 

[monroerr]

You are correct. What was noted by the doctors is nothing new. It has been warned about for decades.

It is good that Apple went ahead and edited the document, which will hopefully lessen the likelihood of someone suing them over this.

It was reported a decade ago in cardiology journals that the early iPhones definitely could alter the function of implantable cardiac defibrillators. I do not even carry a MacBook close to my chest.

 

[HiVolt]

Magnet Gate. LOL.

All this because Apple did not want to switch to USB-C for charging, because they would lose huge revenue from accessories.

 

[jz0309]

One can only hope that those with medical implants have been educated, stay updated and informed and actually conform...

 

[HappySponge]

So the user is just holding it wrong...again

 

[Roller]

Magnet Gate. LOL.

All this because Apple did not want to switch to USB-C for charging, because they would lose huge revenue from accessories.

Magnet Gate? Really? Does someone have to play this card every time there's a problem with an Apple product?

But how does this issue relate to not switching to USB-C, which is just another connector for wired charging?

 

[stringParameter]

"You're beating it wrong"

 

[Pakaku]

Okay then, that's fine Apple, just sell me an iPhone 12 with the option not to include MagSafe.

 

[MauiPa]

Never thought I’d live to see the day that a major phone manufacturer had to tell people to be careful not to accidentally kill them selves with their phones...

Well if you have one, you already know to avoid magnets. Yawn

 

[MauiPa]

How they like to say, “And Only Apple could have done this.”

Yah, Apple invented magnets. Thanks for the insight, I had almost forgotten. And here I thought all the other radio devices, phones, magnets that I had to keep away from my pacemaker were just noise

 

[stringParameter]

Could have been so simple. One USB-C-charger for your phone, tablet and laptop.

However...

 

[mikedis]

Well if you have one, you already know to avoid magnets. Yawn

That’s true. But at the same time, not everyone buying an iPhone 12 is really aware about MagSafe. I could imagine a lot of upgrades come from people just asking the Best Buy employee what the best phone is, then getting that.

In my honest opinion, there needs to be a warning about the magnets and risk of contact with medical devices on the box. Louis Rossmann made a pretty good video on just that, actually. If you have the time, I’d suggest watching it. It’s a great piece.

 

[MauiPa]

Magnet Gate. LOL.

All this because Apple did not want to switch to USB-C for charging, because they would lose huge revenue from accessories.

Seriously? You are aware that all magnets, phones, radios,..... also have this issue? And don’t try to get an MRI, it will pull the device out of your chest. But thanks, I was not aware the issue was usb-c, I consider myself having Ben educated now

 

[ikramerica]

Going to get a Red 12 for my wifey for VDay, and luckily it won’t break her heart as she is implant free.

 

[jerryk]

So MagSafe is not PacemakerSafe

 

[MauiPa]

Magnetgate! 🤷‍♀️

I know right? You can’t keep the radio for your Samsung near the device. Stupid Samsung

 

[UrbanJoe1]

Is just me or is MagSafe getting less and less appealing? Lol

It’s a nice idea, somewhat gimmicky and now more problematic like you say. For one, I don’t like inductive charging as the phone gets very warm/hot. The accessories kinda pop off if you’re not careful.