We’ve all heard the safety warnings. Keep magnets away from your credit cards! Don’t have magnets near your computer! Keep magnets away from your phone!
But do these warnings still hold true in 2024? Let’s explore whether magnets actually pose a risk to modern electronics and where these concerns originated.
The Origins of Magnet Warnings
The cautionary advice about magnets dates back to older technology, such as cathode-ray tube (CRT) televisions and early computer hard drives, which stored data magnetically using tiny bits of iron.
These tiny magnetised particles of iron were read as the hard-drive disk spun, meaning a strong magnet could potentially alter or erase the data. However, technology has significantly evolved since those days.
Will Magnets Damage Your Phone?
In today’s world, magnets generally do not interfere with smartphones.
The reason lies in how modern devices store memory.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) have replaced traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in most computers and smartphones. SSDs use electrical signals to store data, not magnetic fields.
Therefore, even powerful neodymium magnets are unlikely to affect your device’s memory or functionality.
Moreover, many devices incorporate small magnets for specific functions. For instance, Apple’s latest products, including the Apple Watch, use magnetic inductive wireless charging systems. Therefore, your phone is generally safe around magnets.
The Impact of Magnets on Your Phone
Despite these advancements, it’s essential to understand how magnets might affect your smartphone. While your data and screen are safe, the internal magnetic sensors, such as the compass, can be influenced by strong magnets.
These sensors are crucial for apps that rely on accurate compass readings, such as GPS navigation and certain games.
Apple, for instance, includes guidelines in their Case Design Guidelines to avoid magnetic interference, highlighting the potential impact on the magnetic compass and the autofocus rear camera with optical image stabilization in older models like the iPhone 6 Plus.
Practical Precautions
Although high-strength magnets are unlikely to destroy your smartphone, they could disrupt the internal compass, affecting apps that rely on it.
As a precaution, it’s advisable to keep high-strength magnetic accessories away from the top of your phone, where the magnetometer is typically located.
However, all in all, it’s important to note that most common magnets you encounter today are unlikely to damage or effect your phone.
Goudsmit UK
Goudsmit UK manufacture a vast variety of magnets and magnetic assemblies to suit your requirements, no matter the industry. Qualified to ISO 9001, we’re the perfect partner for you.
Visit our Magnetic Products page to learn more about our high-quality custom industrial magnets, or view our products and services brochure. Please get in touch info@goudsmit.co.uk or on +44 (0) 2890 271 001.
