January 25, 2021

Apple Warns Against MagSafe’s Potential Danger To Implanted Medical Devices

By Lillian Searles

Apple is warning iPhone 12 users that their phones contain magnets as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields that might interfere with medical devices. 

 

In a new support notice published on the Apple website last week, Apple provided more clarity on the issue.

 

The notice specifically warns users about “the magnets inside” all four iPhone 12 models, as well as MagSafe accessories, noting that iPhone 12 versions contain more magnets than prior iPhone models, but it also said they don’t pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with medical devices than earlier models.

 

Apple cautions that its MagSafe accessories, specifically the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger, may pose a risk to those with medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators, as the sensors in those devices may respond to magnets and radios in the accessories or the phones. 

 

“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),” Apple says.

 

If a customer feels like their iPhone 12 or MagSafe charger is interfering with their medical device, they should stop using them, Apple said.

 

Avoid placing credit cards, security badges, passports or key FOBs between your phone and your MagSafe charger, as the magnets might damage magnetic strips or RFID chips in these items, Apple warns. 

 

If you have a phone case that holds such items, be sure to remove them before wirelessly charging your device.

Share