iPhone 12/Pro and MagSafe accessories will interfere with implantable pacemakers and defibrillators, Apple’s official response

MacRumors reported that since the launch of the iPhone 12 series in October last year, Apple has admitted that these devices may cause electromagnetic interference to medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Apple More information has now been shared.

Apple today added the following paragraphs to related supporting documents:

"Medical devices such as implantable cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators may contain sensors that will react to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid any potential interaction with these medical devices, please ask you Keep your iPhone and MagSafe magnetic accessories at a safe distance from your medical equipment (more than 6 inches / 15 cm; or when wireless charging, keep more than 12 inches / 30 cm distance) . Please consult your doctor and equipment for specific guidelines manufacturer.

Please consult your doctor and medical device manufacturer for specific information about relevant medical devices, and whether you need to keep your medical device at a safe distance from your iPhone or any MagSafe magnetic accessories. Manufacturers usually provide advice on how to safely use their medical equipment around wireless devices or magnetic products to prevent possible interference. If you suspect that iPhone or any MagSafe magnetic accessory is interfering with your medical device, please stop using iPhone or MagSafe magnetic accessory."

Although the supporting documents have mentioned "MagSafe accessories" in the title, Apple further emphasized that accessories such as MagSafe chargers and MagSafe Duo chargers may also cause interference with medical devices.

All MagSafe accessories (each accessory sold separately) also contain magnets-while MagSafe chargers and MagSafe Duo chargers contain radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields may interfere with medical equipment.

IT Home is informed that Apple continues to state that although all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than previous iPhone models, the risk of electromagnetic interference to medical equipment is not expected to be higher than that of previous iPhone models.

Earlier in January, an article in the Journal of Heart Rhythm stated that the iPhone 12 model “may inhibit the patient’s life-saving treatment” due to magnetic interference with implantable medical devices. According to the article, three doctors in Michigan, USA tested this interaction by placing the iPhone 12 close to the patient's implantable cardioverter defibrillator. During the test, the device immediately entered a "suspended" state.

"We are here to raise an important public health issue involving the new generation of iPhone 12, which may inhibit patients' life-saving treatment, especially when carrying a mobile phone in a jacket pocket," the doctor wrote. "Medical device manufacturers and implant doctors should remain vigilant and make patients aware of this important interaction between the iPhone 12 and other smart wearable devices and their heart implanted electronic devices.

Apple stated that for more information about safety, please check "Important Safety Information for iPhone" in the "iPhone User Manual".