Beginning with the iPhone 12, Apple introduced a feature called MagSafe. It’s essentially a powerful magnet that isn’t attached to the back of your phone, but that is built right into the structure itself.
Not only does this allow you to easily attach accessories like cases to the back of your iPhone at will, but it also allows for much faster wireless charging than ever before, too.
However, the magnets that comprise MagSafe technology are so popular that they’re attracting a lot more than just those wallets and other items. One user on Reddit found that it’s powerful enough to attract sand, among other types of materials you probably don’t want to mix with such an expensive piece of technology.
MagSafe vs. Sand and More
The Reddit user in question happened to be spending a quiet weekend with his family in Tahoe. The reason why this is notable is that the sand in Tahoe is magnetic – meaning that it stuck right to the back of his iPhone almost immediately!

The sand in Tahoe is unique because it has a few different types of iron oxides in it. Also commonly found in samples is pyrite and magnetite (that last one probably doesn’t need any type of explanation, given the name).
All of these materials will easily cling to the magnets on the back of the iPhone, as the Reddit user almost immediately found out. Even the dust of a ferrous metal, if found in sand, will wind up in a similar situation.
While this is all pretty interesting, it does underline the importance of being careful with your iPhone in a number of situations. Even regular sand found on a common beach will damage the back glass of the iPhone if you’re not careful.
It can damage the front screen and leave scratches, and it can even damage the camera lenses. That’s why, before you head to the beach, you should seal your iPhone in something like a Ziploc bag.
This is one of those times when the old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” really does apply.
Likewise, if you work with metal in any fashion, you need to be on the lookout for items that will be attracted to your iPhone. This includes metal shavings on the floor of a workshop, other shavings from drills and knives and more.
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The magnet could disrupt any implant device related to the heart. Be careful.