Medical Device Interference: These Apple devices contain magnets

More and more Apple devices apart from iMac and MacBook contain magnets of different strengths. Above all, there are mobile devices and accessories with different possible uses that are based on the use of magnets. For example, the iPhone 12 models have magnets for MagSafe accessories. But also iPad models, the AirPods and their charging cases, the Apple Watch and other Apple products contain magnetic components. This is important to know when handling medical equipment; including the use of implanted cardiac pacemakers. The manufacturer recommends a distance of at least 15 cm.

For example, the Apple iPhone 12 models use magnets in the back to work with MagSafe accessories. In this guide you will find all Apple products that contain magnets. There are also notes on interference with medical devices such as B. Pacemaker.

Apple Devices with Magnets: Magnetic Interference and Medical Device

Electromagnetic fields and also non-electrically generated magnets can in some cases have a negative effect on the function of medical devices. These include B. Sensors in pacemakers or defibrillators. Therefore, magnetic components and devices should not be brought too close to them. 

To prevent unwanted interactions, Apple recommends a distance of more than 15 cm during normal operation. A distance of at least 30 cm is recommended when a device is being charged wirelessly. However, if there are any malfunctions, we advise against using the Apple device. You should also contact the doctor and the manufacturer of the medical device.

Apple products that contain magnets at a glance

But which Apple devices contain magnets that could adversely affect medical devices? Below you will find the current list of Apple products in which magnets are installed. Depending on the device, they serve different purposes and functions:

• All AirPods models and charging case models
• Beats Flex, BeatsX, Powerbeats Pro, urBeats3
• Mac mini, Mac Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Apple Pro Display XDR
• HomePod, HomePod mini
• Apple Watch, Apple Watch bracelets with magnets, Apple Watch accessories for inductive charging
• iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, Smart Cover, Smart Folio, Smart Keyboard (Folio), Magic Keyboard
• iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max and MagSafe accessories

More information and official support document

The source for this post is the Apple Support Document, updated June 25, 2021 HT211900. There you will find a little more information as well as a reference to the user manuals for Apple products. There are with this link. Please refer to the relevant manual under “Important safety information” for details on the subject and for solving the problem with magnets. What are your experiences and recommendations on the subject? Feel free to leave a comment!

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.