This month, a study shared by the American Heart Association incited buzz among Apple customers when it revealed that pacemakers and other similar devices could be affected by electromagnetic interference when in close range of the Apple iPhone 12 series.
The study had tested 14 different devices, of which 11 displayed noticeable effects of interference when placed within 1.5cm (0.59 inches) of the smartphone, which features Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging technology.
While this may be concerning, it’s not entirely unexpected, as MagSafe technology makes use of magnets, which could interfere with other technological devices. According to Input, Apple’s updated list of products that could potentially mess with pacemakers is rather lengthy.
From AirPods to Apple Watches, HomePods, iPads, Macs, and Beats Headphones, along with most of the devices’ accessories and chargers, should be kept at a safe distance from implanted medical devices. It sure seems as though nearly the entire Apple catalog may be unsafe if held too near the chest of someone with such an implant.
“The FDA recommends keeping all electronic devices with magnets at least six inches away from implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators,” said Apple.
Previously, as per Input, few smartphones and electronic devices posed such as risk. However, now with the introduction of a stronger magnetic-based technology such as MagSafe, the FDA had to release an updated warning.
With over 50,000 Americans over the age of 65 with such implants, it seems a large number of people will have to be extra careful using their favorite Apple devices.
[via
Leave a Reply