Apple has issued a warning to owners of pacemakers or any other implanted medical devices to keep their iPhones at a distance of at least 15 centimeters from their chest. Magnets and electromagnetic fields emitted by smartphones can create interference that interferes with the normal operation of such devices, potentially leading to death.
An updated warning from Apple now extends to the iPhone 13, 14, AirPods, Apple Watch, HomePod, iPad, Mac, and headphones Beats. Apple does not recommend placing these devices next to the human breast with implanted cardio equipment.
“To prevent a possible influence on the operation of such medical devices, provide a sufficient distance between Apple products and a medical device (more than 15 cm from the device; more than 30 cm with wireless charging). To obtain more accurate instructions, consult with the doctor and the manufacturer of the medical device,” the company declares.
The initial warning came with the release of the iPhone 12 in October 2020. Many electronic devices carry these risks, and people with similar implants are usually aware of them. The American Cardiological Association issued a statement saying, “We always knew that magnets could interfere with the operation of electronic devices implanted in the heart. However, we were extremely surprised by the power of magnets used in the iPhone 12.”
It was with the release of the iPhone 12 that Apple introduced its updated Magsafe technology. A powerful and large magnet under the back cover of the smartphone can hypothetically interfere with the timing of the effect of the pacemaker on the heart and even deactivate the rescue functions of the implanted defibrillator.
Owners of such devices must be aware of the possible risks and follow the safety requirements prescribed by Apple.