My1sttoday: Apple warns against putting the iPhone 12 close to pacemakers. The clarification addresses the consumer concerns that talk about how the presence of the MagSafe magnet system in the new iPhones can cause some issues with the pacemaker devices and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.
The new warning from Apple to consumers reiterates the previous statements that keeping any iPhone within 6 inches of an ICD or pacemaker or 15-inches if charging wirelessly will not be safe. The warning also claims that the iPhone 12 is not particularly more dangerous than the other models.
It is unsafe to hold the iPhone 12 close to these medical devices in simpler words, but it was also unsafe to do so with older devices such as the iPhone 11 or iPhone X or any other competing smartphone. Here’s what the official document has to say below.
iPhone contains magnets as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. All MagSafe accessories (each sold separately) also contain magnets—and MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger contain radios. These magnets and electromagnetic fields might interfere with medical devices.
Though all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than prior iPhone models, they’re not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than prior iPhone models.
Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators might contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid any potential interactions with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm apart or more than 12 inches / 30 cm apart if wirelessly charging). But consult with your physician and your device manufacturer for specific guidelines.