Tech giant Apple has issued a warning that its iPhones could potentially interfere with medical devices, such as pacemakers.
In a notice published by Apple on its website on January 23, the firm warned iPhones contain magnets and radios which emit electromagnetic fields, which "may interfere" with medical devices, including implanted pacemakers and defibrillators.
The company also warned about MagSafe accessories.
Safety warning
Apple's notice warned specifically about "the magnets inside" all four iPhone 12 models, saying they contained more magnets than prior iPhone models, but assured that "they're not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than prior iPhone models."
According to the firm, medical devices may contain sensors that could react to magnets or radio waves when they come in close proximity to an iPhone. Apple recommends users to keep their iPhones and MagSafe chargers a "safe distance" away from medical devices.
Apple mentions that the safe distance would be more than 6 inches away from a medical device or 15 inches away when wirelessly charging.
MagSafe accessories were featured by the tech firm during its iPhone 12 launch last fall. These include charging docks to wirelessly charge their devices, as well as other magnetic accessories including cases and wallets that attach to the back of the phones.
In the notice, Apple recommended: "Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for information specific to your medical device and whether you need to maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical device and iPhone or any MagSafe accessories."
"Manufacturers often provide recommendations on the safe use of their devices around wireless or magnetic products to prevent possible interference," it added.
The company advised users that if they feel their iPhone 12 or MagSafe charger is interfering with their medical device, they should stop using them.
In addition, Apple also asked iPhone 12 users using MagSafe chargers to avoid placing credit cards, security badges, passports or key FOBs between the phone and the MagSafe charger because the magnets might damage magnetic strips or RFID chips in these items.
The company added that users should ensure that phone cases holding these items should be removed before wirelessly charging their device.
Heart Rhythm study
While Apple has not discussed why it updated its safety guidance now, a report published earlier this month on the Heart Rhythm Journal claimed that the iPhone 12's internal magnets that make it compatible with MagSafe accessories could interfere with an implanted defibrillator.
The study noted that implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) contain an in-built switch that respond to an externally applied magnetic field and that when an external magnet is applied to a defibrillator, it suspends high voltage shock therapy for ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
The authors warned that "the newer generation iPhone 12 which can potentially inhibit lifesaving therapy in a patient particularly while carrying the phone in upper pockets."
They called on medical device manufacturers and implanting physicians to be vigilant in warning patients about the significant interaction of the iPhone 12 and other smart wearables with their cardiac implantable electronic devices.
