Magnets in iPhone 12 and MagSafe can interfere with pacemakers
Apple warns that magnets in the iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories can interfere with medical devices. These include pacemakers and defibrillators.
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Pacemaker hindered by magnets iPhone 12 and MagSafe
Those who use a pacemaker or defibrillator should watch out for magnets in the iPhone 12. Apple warns on its website that the operation of these devices may be disrupted by it. Therefore, patients should always keep the smartphone at least 15 centimeters away from their medical devices. During the wireless charging of the iPhone 12 with MagSafe, this is even 30 centimeters.
MagSafe accessories, such as covers, may also cause problems. If electromagnetic fields prevent the functionality of a pacemaker, this can lead to life-threatening situations.
Thanks to the arrival of MagSafe, the iPhone 12 contains more magnets than before. However, according to Apple, the smartphone does not pose a greater risk to pacemakers or defibrillators than previous models.
Still, American doctors write in an article in Heart Rhythm Magazine that the magnets can be quite dangerous. When they put an iPhone 12 near a patient’s defibrillator, the device stopped immediately. The doctors therefore warn that patients with a pacemaker or defibrillator should not carry the iPhone 12 in their breast pocket.
Will we get a portless iPhone thanks to MagSafe?
Apple officially announced MagSafe in October 2020. Thanks to the magnets, the wireless chargers fall exactly in the right place, so you don’t waste energy. In addition, accessories are available, such as card holders, which you simply click on the back of the iPhone 12 models.
You can see MagSafe as an alternative to the flopped AirPower. This wireless charging mat failed to meet Apple’s quality standards and was never released.
An advantage of MagSafe over normal wireless chargers is that you can continue to use the iPhone while charging. It could therefore be the first step to an iPhone without a Lightning port. There have been rumors for years that Apple wants to release smartphones that no longer have any physical connection.
