Medical Devices Could Be at Risk Near iPhone 12 and MagSafe Accessories

Credit: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

iPhone 12 users who have pacemakers or who are close to people who have pacemakers should contact their doctors about their devices possibly interfering with such medical devices.

Apple stated in an advisory to keep iPhone 12 series phones and MagSafe accessories at least 15 centimetres (or 30 centimetres apart if the devices are charging) away from medical devices like pacemakers and defibrillators.

The advisory stated that iPhone 12 models and MagSafe accessories emit electromagnetic fields (EMF) that could possibly interfere with medical devices sensitive to EMFs.

The possible interference is due to the iPhone 12 series phones containing more magnets, components and radios that emit EMF. Apple also noted that the iPhone 12 has more magnets than previous models. MagSafe accessories also have magnets, components, and radios that emit EMF.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Credit: Apple

However, Apple seems to not want to take any chances as they advised customers who are unsure if their iPhone 12 series phones or MagSafe accessory could interfere with medical devices to “consult your physician and your [medical] device manufacturer for specific guidelines.”

Apple stated that both the iPhone 12 series and MagSafe accessories aren’t expected to interfere with medical devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. Although, if users suspect that these devices are interfering with medical devices, then users should immediately stop using either or both devices.

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Written by John Paul Joaquin