Wearing a pacemaker? Apple says you should keep these devices at a safe distance

Apple has provided a list of its devices containing magnets which customers should keep away from their medical devices, in order to protect themselves from any potential interference.

Apple Watch (REUTERS)

Apple, like other manufacturers, creates a wide range of products including smartphones, computers, fitness trackers and wearable audio equipment. Just like other hardware, the company's products can be risky when exposed to critical medical equipment such as pacemakers and defibrillators used by patients. This is because components in these devices can cause magnetic interference that can disrupt the operation of medical equipment.

In order to protect its customers from any potential interference from its devices, the company has updated its support document to list out devices that it says customers should keep away from their medical devices. The changes were spotted by MacRumors, and contains a list of over 25 devices manufactured by the company, that could possibly affect medical devices.

Apple, like other manufacturers, creates a wide range of products including smartphones, computers, fitness trackers and wearable audio equipment. Just like other hardware, the company's products can be risky when exposed to critical medical equipment such as pacemakers and defibrillators used by patients. This is because components in these devices can cause magnetic interference that can disrupt the operation of medical equipment.

In order to protect its customers from any potential interference from its devices, the company has updated its support document to list out devices that it says customers should keep away from their medical devices. The changes were spotted by MacRumors, and contains a list of over 25 devices manufactured by the company, that could possibly affect medical devices.|#+|

If you have the following Apple products and you wear a pacemaker or a defibrillator, read on to know which devices contain magnets and how to stay safe while using them.

These devices with magnets should be kept at a safe distance

According to Apple's support document, the following devices could possibly affect the previously mentioned medical devices: AirPods and Charging Case, AirPods and Wireless Charging Case, AirPods Pro and Wireless Charging Case, AirPods Max and Smart Case, Apple Watch, Apple Watch bands with magnets, Apple Watch magnetic charging accessories, HomePod, HomePod mini, iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, Magic Keyboard for iPad, iPhone 12 models, Mac mini, Mac Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Apple Pro Display XDR, Beats Flex, Beats X, PowerBeats Pro, UrBeats3.

How should users operate these Apple devices if they have a medical device?

According to Apple, users who own these devices manufactured by the company should “avoid any potential interactions with these types of medical devices” by keeping these products at a safe distance. This means more than 6 inches (or 15 cms) apart, or 12 inches (or 30 cms) apart if they're charging wirelessly. The company also advises users to consult with their physician and the medical device manufacturer for any specific usage guidelines.

Are other Apple devices safe to use with a pacemaker?

The Cupertino company says that some other Apple products (not included in the list above) contain magnets, but they are unlikely to interfere with medical devices. It also points users in the direction of its user guides for Apple products, where safety information is provided under the Important Safety Information section. However, it is probably best to consult with your doctor as well, just to be ensure that the functioning of your medical equipment isn't hampered by your other devices.