Anyone with a pacemaker or automatic implantable defibrillator (ICD) is probably already familiar with the potential dangers of getting close to a strong magnet.
Still, Apple, concerned with protecting its customers and avoiding some horrific news headlines related to its products, is warning those with an iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories to keep them a safe distance from particular medical implants. This is because the iPhone 12 contains magnets as part of its new MagSafe feature (the iPhone 12 contains more magnets than previous models) as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. MagSafe accessories also contain magnets, while MagSafe charger and MagSafe Duo charger also contain radios.
Apple already had an information page in its online support section about this, but MacRumors recently spotted that the tech giant had added new text to further clarify the issue.
"Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact," the added text reads. "To avoid any potential interaction with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance from your device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm away or more than 12 inches / 30 cm when charging without wire). "
While Apple insists that the iPhone 12 "should not pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with medical devices than previous iPhone models," a recent study reported by the Heart Rhythm Journal found that Apple's new phone could indeed interfere with an ICD if the two devices are nearby.
For those who have an implanted medical device, the bottom line is that if you are in any doubt as to how it might be affected by external forces, Apple advises you to speak with your doctor and medical device manufacturer to find out if you must distance between your medical device and your iPhone or any MagSafe accessory. The tech giant adds: "If you think the iPhone or any MagSafe accessory is interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or the MagSafe accessories."