Apple explains how iPhone 12, MagSafe chargers can affect users with medical implanted devices

Ever since the launch of iPhone 12 series Apple has been clear that its devices may cause an electromagnetic interference with medical implant devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. However, this time it has added a paragraph to a related support web page, clearly mentioning that the sensors may respond to magnets and radio that is found in iPhone and MagSafe accessories. 

“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.” 

Emphasizing more on the accessories Apple has added that MagSafe charger and MagSafe charger Duo, in particular, may contain radios and electromagnetic fields that may interfere with these medical devices.

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However, Apple has also made it clear that although the new iPhone 12 models come with more magnets than the previous versions, they do not pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to these medical devices. 

This piece of information comes a few days after an article in the Heart Rhythm Journal suggested that Apple’s new products can interfere with the implantable medical devices and, indeed, affect someone who has a medial implanted device.

"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."