On January 14, we noted that the iPhone 12 family, which uses the MagSafe magnetic charging system could have a dangerous effect on implanted defibrillators due to an increased number of magnets in the newer phones. Apple (AAPL), and others who use magnetics in the consumer devices have invariably had some sort of cautionary note in the support documents advising those with such implantable evices, to keep the magnetic devices at least a few inches away to avoid any potential problems, such as shutting them off inadvertently.
It seems Apple has now added a bit to that support statement, with “”…though the iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than prior models, they are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than other iPhones…”, however they have also added the statement below which is a bit more specific.
“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.”
…and for good measure adds “If you suspect iPhone or any MagSafe accessories are interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or MagSafe accessories.”, along with notifying iPhone users that such devices not only contain magnets but also contain radios that normally would not be disruptive unless they are connected to a power source. It is nice to see a responsible company take the reins and add necessary language to warn iPhone users of the potential issues they might face from their products, even if it is to protect themselves from liability. Not that we expect many defib users to carry their iPhones in their jacket pockets or lay down within a foot of an active MagSafe charger, but it can’t hurt to remind folks of the possibility. Kudos.
It seems Apple has now added a bit to that support statement, with “”…though the iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than prior models, they are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than other iPhones…”, however they have also added the statement below which is a bit more specific.
“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.”
…and for good measure adds “If you suspect iPhone or any MagSafe accessories are interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or MagSafe accessories.”, along with notifying iPhone users that such devices not only contain magnets but also contain radios that normally would not be disruptive unless they are connected to a power source. It is nice to see a responsible company take the reins and add necessary language to warn iPhone users of the potential issues they might face from their products, even if it is to protect themselves from liability. Not that we expect many defib users to carry their iPhones in their jacket pockets or lay down within a foot of an active MagSafe charger, but it can’t hurt to remind folks of the possibility. Kudos.
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