Smartphone users sometimes engage in inappropriate actions towards their devices, believing them to be normal behaviors, only to later be shocked by the potentially devastating consequences.
This has prompted Apple to issue a significant warning to iPhone users regarding the potential risks of certain seemingly harmless habits. For instance, leaving the phone under a pillow while charging, which, Apple points out, could lead to a fire or electric shock.
According to technology and artificial intelligence specialist Alan Al-Qarh, Apple has recently updated the information on its website's "Important Safety Information for iPhone" page. This is aimed at encouraging users to reconsider certain "fatal mistakes" they might be making, and urging them to exercise more caution in their daily interactions with their iPhones.
Al-Qarh explains that Apple's recommendations, which if not followed might result in fire, electric shock, or damage, include:
- Not placing a connected iPhone under a pillow while sleeping.
- Avoiding covering the iPhone with a blanket or cushion during charging.
- Refraining from sleeping on the phone or the charger while it's connected to power.
- Avoiding charging the iPhone near wet or damp areas.
- Not touching the charger while it's connected to power and in contact with human skin.
- Ceasing to use chargers that are corroded or excessively wet.
- Keeping the phone's interface facing upward while charging.
- Ensuring chargers are placed in well-ventilated areas during use.
- Avoiding charging or using the iPhone in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as areas with high levels of chemicals, vapors, or highly flammable particles in the air.
Common Misconception
Al-Qarh highlights a common misconception often practiced by many users, which involves placing the phone under a pillow or covering it while charging. He stresses that this habit is indeed a fatal mistake that all phone users, not just iPhone users, should avoid. Placing the phone in poorly ventilated areas increases the device's temperature, raising the risk of fire. Apple hasn't requested users to stop charging their phones overnight; instead, it emphasizes avoiding places where the temperature might rise.
Radio Frequency Hazards
Al-Qarh also notes that what's notable in Apple's warning is the company's announcement that even though their chargers comply with international safety standards, this doesn't entirely eliminate the risk of fire or electric shock if users don't adhere to usage conditions.
He highlights the necessity for users to keep their phones away from their beds at all times, not just when charging, as sleeping near phones poses serious health risks due to the radio frequency signals emitted when the device sends and receives information from nearby cell towers.