Devices like implanted pacemakers and defibrillators are commonly used to treat heart-related ailments. Last month, a study conducted by Heart Rhythm Journal stated that specific kinds of pacemakers tend to get deactivated when placed beside an iPhone 12. The team carried out an experiment using an iPhone 12 and a pacemaker model manufactured by Medtronic.
A lot of people are aware of the fact that magnets have an adverse effect on pacemakers. The iPhone, in particular, proves to be problematic for pacemakers as the device is built with a large number of magnets inside. Since the relatively new MagSafe charging technology is wireless in nature, it necessitates the integration of several magnets inside the phone.
After going through the study material put together by Heart Rhythm Journal, Medtronic said in an official statement that they, as a precaution, recommend patients who have been implanted with cardiac devices to maintain a distance of at least six inches between the implanted device and any kind of cell phone.
After the report came out in the public domain, Apple updated its support documents to give a better insight into the issue and providing guidelines. While Apple agreed to the fact that all the models of iPhone 12 contain magnets in larger numbers than any other iPhone model that came out in the past, it asserted that the iPhone 12 doesn’t pose a bigger risk of any kind of magnetic interference than any other iPhone model.
Apple further stated that apart from magnets, iPhone comprises of different kinds of components that emit electromagnetic fields. MagSafe accessories too contain magnets. Radios can be found in MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger. These magnets and the electromagnetic fields they create could affect medical devices adversely.
As a cautionary measure, the global tech giant has suggested individuals with pacemakers or those around individuals using pacemakers to speak to their doctor or consult the medical device manufacturer regarding information pertaining to the device and whether it is required for the iPhone and the medical device to be at a good distance from each other.
To control speculations or the spread of misinformation, Apple put out further clarification on this issue. Medical devices such as a defibrillator or an implanted pacemaker might consist of sensors. These sensors respond to radios and magnets when they are placed closer to them. To avoid the possibility of any interaction with these medical devices, it is imperative to keep one’s iPhone or any MagSafe accessory at a safe distance from it.