Apple issued a list of devices that should be kept away from medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, due to the potential for magnetic interference.
In a newly published support document, Apple admits that under certain conditions, magnets and electromagnetic fields can interfere with the operation of medical devices. For example, implantable pacemakers and defibrillators may have sensors that can respond to radios and magnets during close contact.
"To avoid possible interactions with this type of medical device, keep Apple products away from your medical device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm or more than 12 inches / 30 cm when charging wirelessly)," Apple said in a statement. Gizmodo, Tuesday ( 6/29/2021).
"Consult your doctor and device manufacturer for specific guidance."
There are a large number of Apple devices in this list, in fact almost all of its popular products such as iPhone 12, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch and others.
The potential for magnetic interference caused by Apple devices is indeed a concern after being the subject of a study. In January, researchers at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute tried to place the iPhone 12 close to a patient's heart using Medtronic's implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
They report this experiment puts the medical device into suspension mode. Another study conducted by the American Heart Association also examined the effect of the iPhone 12 Pro Max on medical devices, and found that some devices tested had magnetic susceptibility.
Apple admits that the iPhone 12 has more magnets than previous iPhones, but doesn't think it will pose a greater risk of magnetic interference. Now the penalty on that risk is missing from Apple's official guide.
Here is a list of Apple devices that contain magnets and are recommended to be kept away from medical devices:
AirPods and charging case
- AirPods and Charging Case
- AirPod Case and Wireless Charging
- AirPods Pro and Wireless Charging Case
- AirPods Max and Smart Case
Apple Watch and accessories
- Apple Watch
- Apple Watch band with magnet
- Apple Watch magnetic charging accessory
HomePod
- HomePod
- HomePod mini
iPad and accessories
- iPad
- iPad mini
- iPad Air
- iPad Pro
- iPad Smart Protector and Smart Folio
- iPad Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio
- Magic Keyboard for iPad
iPhone and MagSafe accessories
- iPhone 12 model
- MagSafe accessories
Macs and accessories
- Mac mini
- Mac Pro
- MacBook Air
- MacBook Pro
- iMac
- Apple Pro Display XDR
Beat
- Beats Flex
- X o'clock
- PowerBeats Pro
- UrBeats3
In addition to the devices in the list above, there are other Apple products that contain magnets. But the Cupertino, US-based company says the possibility of the product interfering with medical devices is very small.
It should be noted that this problem is not found only on Apple devices. Many devices, from radios to Fitbits and vapes are known to cause magnetic interference.
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