FTT Galaxy
Jul 1, 20212 min
Apple has expanded its guidance regarding the potential magnetic interference of its devices with medical devices. It has subsequently released a long and detailed list of products that it says should be kept at a safe distance from medical devices. In a support article, Apple acknowledged that under certain conditions, magnets and electromagnetic fields may interfere with medical devices.
On top of that, apple said, implantable defibrillators and defibrillators may contain sensors that respond to magnets when they are in close contact. The impact of the company's products on medical devices has been a point of interest in recent months and prompted it to research the topic.
To avoid any potential interactions with these types of medical devices, keep your product away from your medical device (more than 6 inches, 15 centimeters, or more than 12 inches, or 30 centimeters if charging wirelessly). Consult your doctor and the manufacturer of your device for specific instructions.
Researchers at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute showed in January that they placed the iPhone 12 over a patient's heart with a Medtronic implantable pacemaker and defibrillator.
They reported that the device's operations were suspended every time. While the study was conducted on a single patient, it raised important questions.
More recently, a study by the American Heart Association examined the impact of the iPhone 12 Pro Max in a wider range with different devices. I found, for example, that many of those tested had magnetic sensitivity.
Apple added in the support article that if a person suspects that their product is interfering with their medical device, they should first stop using the device immediately and secondly consult with their doctor and medical device manufacturer.
Here is the detailed list of Apple products that contain magnets, which the company says should be kept at a safe distance from your medical device:
AirPods
AirPods and Charging Case
AirPods-Pro and Wireless Charging Case
AirPods-Max and Smart Case
AirPods and Wireless Charging Case
Apple Watch and accessories
Apple Watch
Apple Watch bands with magnets
Magnetic Charging Accessories for Apple Watch
HomePod
HomePod
HomePod-mini
iPad and its accessories
IPAD
iPad Air
iPad mini
Smart Covers and Smart Folios
iPad Pro
iPad Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio
Magic Keyboard for iPad
iPhone and MagSafe accessories
iPhone 12 models
MagSafe Accessories
Mac and accessories
Mac mini
Pro Display XDR
Mac Pro
MacBook Air
MacBook Pro
iMac
Beats by Apple
Beats Flex
PowerBeats Pro
Beats X
UrBeats3
However, these are not the only Apple products that contain magnets. The company said some of its other products contain magnets, but they are not likely to interfere with medical devices.
Furthermore, users can find out more information about these other products in Apple's user guides for their products.
Apple did not make a specific reference to the iPhone 12 lineup. After it said in January: The iPhone 12 lineup contains more magnets, but they are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference with medical devices than previous models.
In addition, many devices, from radios and headphones to Fitbits, have been known to cause magnetic interference.
The Food and Drug Administration also acknowledges this and advises people to keep some electronic devices at least six inches away from implanted medical devices.