Apple issued a warning to iPhone owners that people need to be aware of as soon as possible.
The iPhone contains magnets and radios inside that help with frequency transmission. Not only do they power the cellular connection, but they also make it possible to wirelessly interact with other devices like headphones using Bluetooth.
Well, it’s those exact components that are causing a problem now – particularly for those iPhone owners who have implanted pacemakers, defibrillators, and other medical devices.
Apple Issues a Rare Medical Warning
As part of Apple’s detailed warning, the tech giant indicated that the magnets inside all four currently available iPhone 12 models, as well as those inside newly released MagSafe accessories, can potentially interfere with medical devices like those outlined above.
Sometimes certain medical devices can have sensors in them that may reactive negatively to the magnets or the radio waves when they come in close proximity to one another. This is why Apple recommends that you keep your iPhone and all of your MagSafe chargers at least six inches away from something like a pacemaker at all times.
Note that if you happen to be wirelessly charging your iPhone, the recommended distance is even greater – it’s a full 15 inches, in that case.
Now, the iPhone 12 is hardly the first model ever to be released with magnets inside. Indeed, most iPhones have had magnets just below the rear surface going all the way back to the iPhone 6. It’s just that thanks to the design of the iPhone 12, there are more magnets inside to increase compatibility with things like MagSafe charging docks, as well as certain types of cases and wallets that attach directly to the back of the iPhone.
It’s this higher density of magnets that is causing the issue now, so Apple’s warning could not have come along at a better time.
Heart Rhythm Journal also released a similar study in January indicating that the magnets on the back of the iPhone 12 could easily cause it to interfere with an implanted defibrillator. Apple’s warning seems to indicate that this is true.
The same magnets can also damage the magnetic strips (and in extreme cases, the RFID chips) in credit cards and magnetic hotel keys as well. So keep your magnetic cards away from your iPhone 12.
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SO SINCE I HAVE A DIFIB/PACEMAKER DOES THAT MEAN I CANNOT USE MY I PHONE?
JUST ASKIN
I would suggest asking your Doctor for specifics.
Thanks for the warning. So how do they plan to fix this??????
Are they planning to fix this in Version 13
I hope they do! That’s scary
Thanks
Thanks so much. I was unaware of the magnets desensitization possible
Can this be rectified any time soon.?Or can it be rectified at all?
Is this warning only for the I 12
Will the iPhone 12 effect a mechanical heart valve?
I have a mechanical heart valve and have no problems. I usually put my phone in my shirt pocket.
Can I change my iPhone 13 for an eleven and will there be no problem? Shall I wait for the the next phone will they exchange the phones? What do you suggest?
My IPhone 11 also interferes with my stimulator implant. Since I got this 11there is an echo of my own voice if the phone is to close to the implanted battery. I can not put the phone in my left pocket front or back because of the batteries interfering with the stimulator battery. I had to figure that out myself. Would think Medtronics Co should send their customers a warning. They make the stimulators and pacemakers.
I think Apple should take responsibility for the trouble it has caused. As far back as the iPhone 6. Either replace them or replace with a new phone. They knew this at the beginning and should be responsible, what else are they not telling us?
Apple needs to help us out.
These phones cost to much to creat
Problems with credit cards.
And health problems already.
I don’t have Money to buy a new phone.
I am finding that my iPhone 12 Pro Max plays with my rechargeable hearing aids when I pull up certain apps. Interesting.
This is not an Apple iPhone issue as all cell phones are using the same frequencies and RF energies. All cell phones are tested by our government and if they don’t pass the government requirements are not allowed to be sold.
As a user of a cell phone, wireless phone, microwave oven, etc., you are responsible for reading warnings and all information related to any medical electric devices you may have. These cell phones are safe if used in a responsible manner. If you have an implant, check with the manufacturer for their recommendations for safe use of other electronics.
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/cell-phones/do-cell-phones-pose-health-hazard
Does the magnets cause problem with knee replacement