Magnetic Strength of Cases/Mounts and Damage to Phone

[Madtiger]

Hey all,

We all want strong magnets for phone cases and car mounts. I always wondered if the stronger the magnets, then is there a downside?? We all want vice grip-like strength with the car mounts and/or phone cases.

So, i found this from Apple: Magnets might interfere with iPhone cameras - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/en-us/102434#:~:text=These%20magnets%20and%20plates%20can,rear%20camera%20(or%20cameras).

“Lens-position sensors respond to magnetic fields. If you place a magnet near these sensors, the magnetic field will interfere with or temporarily disable the sensors. This can degrade the sensors' accuracy and limit the range of movement available to the lenses. The camera will continue to take photos with other means of stabilization but without the benefit of OIS and closed-loop AF.

Third-party manufacturers make some accessories with strong magnets or magnetizable metal plates that are near the iPhone rear camera (or cameras). These magnets and plates can latch folio covers, join separable cases, or attach to rigid mounts—for example, car mounts. For best camera performance, avoid accessories that use magnets or magnetic metal near the iPhone rear camera (or cameras).“

And then look at this YouTube video: (Go to 7:37 minute mark)

 

[Madtiger]

See video below…Apple is very strict in the guidelines to make sure that the magnet strength does not interfere with function of phone…and most big case makers (in this case, MOUS) do follow the guidelines. Unfortunately, many times, the “quality” of a phone case as view by phone users is based on magnet strength of the case/car mount. Before this morning, i never knew about magnet strength and damage to phone functionality.

Go to mark 3:29 in video:

 

[Willie G]

Magnets have been used for years to wipe hard drives and otherwise disable electronics, so this all makes sense.

I never found a magnetic mount that would hold my phone with my less-than-genteel driving style so I went with mechanical mounts for tablets, etc.