Apple Warns Customers About The Dangers Of Magnets Inside Its iPhone 12 Models

26/01/2021

Previous researches suggested that mobile phones emit faint amount of radiation that could lead to some health complications.

The World Health Organization lists this type of radiation as a Class 2B Carcinogen.

And smartphones are packed with even more sensors, each capable of emitting their own signals.

Smartphones can also carry harmful bacteria and viruses that can make people sick. This is because people carry their phones everywhere, and put them almost everywhere too. From the ground to the pavement, up close to their ears and on their bed, from the living room and the office, and also the bathroom.

But still, the Federation of the Electronics Industry claimed that there is no conclusive proof that smartphones are a health hazard.

And this time, Apple is warning its customers, saying that its smartphones could really interfere with medical devices, including pacemakers.

iPhone 12 magnets.
Apple iPhone 12 models have more magnets that any older iPhone models.

It should be noted that all mobile phones and portable media players produce some measurable electrical and magnetic fields.

There were numerous research about this, but many suggested that the strength of these fields won't affect ordinary person's heart rhythm or function.

But for those who use implanted pacemakers, internal defibrillator or similar device, the results for the most part, have been more reassuring.

These consumer gadgets may interfere in how these integral life-supporting medical devices work. And this is why it's suggested for anyone to put their phones as far away from those devices.

And iPhones are making things worse.

In a notice published on Apple's support page, the company expanded its previously issued safety information, to warn customers that its iPhones contain magnets and radios that emit electromagnetic fields, both of which "may interfere" with medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators.

To make it more precise, the notice specifically warns customers about "the magnets inside" all four iPhone 12 models, as well as MagSafe accessories. Apple said that all iPhone 12 versions have more magnets than all older iPhone models.

Apple said in the update that medical devices can contain sensors in them that may react to magnets or radio waves that come in close proximity.

And because "all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than prior iPhone models", the phones have the potential to affect those medical devices more greatly than others.

The components of the wireless Apple's MagSafe Charger.
The components of the wireless Apple's MagSafe Charger.

This is why Apple recommends customers to keep their iPhone 12 models and MagSafe chargers in a "safe distance" away from medical devices.

The company defines this as more than 6 inches or 15 cm apart, or 12 inches or 30 cm apart when wirelessly charging.

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

"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," Apple said in the notice. "Manufacturers often provide recommendations on the safe use of their devices around wireless or magnetic products to prevent possible interference."

But still, Apple said that the phones don't pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with medical devices than earlier models.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why the company is expanding the safety guidance. But the Heart Rhythm Journal released a report earlier this January claiming that the magnets in the iPhone 12 that make it compatible with MagSafe accessories could interfere with an implanted defibrillator.

Besides being a more health hazard, iPhone 12 models and their MagSafe products have magnets that can also interfere with credit cards, security badges, passports or keys.