At center of concern is the capacity of magnetic components in any of these 28 popular Apple products that could interfere with medical devices. In particular, a medical study is suggesting that there is enough clinical significant magnet field strength to cause cardiac implants such as pacemakers to malfunction when coming near Apple MagSafe devices such as the iPhone 12.
In a worse case scenario the published medical study from the Journal of the American Heart Association, says the MagSafe technology from an iPhone 12 Pro Max has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy.
iPhone 12 model potentially deadly for people with pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators
Apple
In some cases when the iPhone 12 Pro Max was placed directly on the skin over the pocket of cardiac devices, 100% participants resulted in identifiable magnet interference. Hence, if you are using a medical device such as a pacemaker or cardiac technology, do not put your iPhone or other technology with magnetic components in your shirt, coat or jacket pocket.
Apple’s MagSafe technology used for wireless charging has an array of neodymium magnets that are stronger than previous magnetic connections used in older devices.
This new posting from Apple is a reversal from previous guidance that iPhone 12 does not pose a great risk of magnetic interference when compared with older generation iPhones. The medical study concludes there is indeed a greater risk posed by iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories.
At least 6 to 12 inches distance
Apple warns of potential magnetic interference with medical devices and says to avoid any potential interactions by keeping a safe distance of more than 6 inches or 12 inches if charging.
If you suspect these Apple products are interfering with your medical device, stop using the product and consult your physician and medical device maker.
Keep These Apple Products Away from Medical Devices
- AirPods and charging case (all versions)
- Apple Watch
- Apple Watch bands with magnetic closures
- Apple Watch charger
- HomePod, HomePod mini speaker
- iPad (all versions)
- iPad smart cover and folio
- iPad keyboard (all versions)
- iPhone 12 models + MagSafe accessories
- Mac Mini, Mac Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Apple Pro Display XDR
- Beats Flex, Beats X, PowerBeats Pro, UrBeats3
The irony of these medical warnings comes at a time when the Apple has its largest focus on health, wellness and fitness products in its history. Apple’s advice: Stop using your Apple product altogether if you suspect it is interfering with a medical device and consult a physician. Even safer would be to avoid Apple MagSafe devices like the new iPhone 12 models altogether if you have a medical device.