Apple has confirmed that medical devices interfere with the iPhone 12 range of devices since the latter tamper with the optimal functionality of the medical equipment. The iPhone is known to particularly obstruct the proper functioning of devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
Now, the company has released further guidelines for people and technicians operating sensitive medical equipment with electromagnetic signals. Apple is asking its users to keep the iPhone 12 and other MagSafe accessories in far distances away from their medical devices.
Apple recently published an article where it gave detailed explanations on why it asked users to keep their iPhone 12 devices from medical equipment. The company said the iPhone 12 has components that gave out electromagnetic fields. Apple said the same is true of its MagSafe accessories, including the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger. The iPhone maker noted that it is the fields that interfere with medical devices.
According to Apple, pacemakers and defibrillators contain sensitive sensors that can detect when magnets and radios are close by. The company advised that users should keep their Apple accessories more than 6 inches away or 12 inches if the device charges wirelessly. However, users are to further consult with their health professionals, Engadget reports.
Defibrillators help to bring back the heart rate of a person to its normal rate by sending electric shocks to the heart. In some cases where the heart stops beating, these defibrillators can help restore a heartbeat. On the other hand, pacemakers help to send electrical pulses to the heart so that all chambers of the heart work in tune with each other, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently.
Apple advised that its users should consult with health professionals for guidance on the different range of devices. Healthcare experts would give expert advice on the particular devices and accessories and how best to them keep away from their medical equipment. Apple also included this set of instructions in their iPhone 12 user guide.
Apple’s products became the subject of safety concerns the Henry Ford Heart Vascular Institute published a report of its finding that revealed the interference the iPhone 12 caused to medical equipment, especially with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, otherwise known as the ICDs.
The researchers noted that once the iPhone 12 came in close contact with medical devices, the optimal functionality of these devices is momentarily affected, thus placing the life of patients hooked on these devices in grave danger.
Apple acknowledged that the iPhone 12 had more magnets in them than previous flagships although this did not mean the iPhone 12 posed more danger. The company advised its users to stop using their Apple devices and accessories if they suspected it interfered with their medical devices.
Source: gizmodo.com
