Do Magnets Erode iPads: Understanding the Impact of Magnetic Fields

Despite popular belief, magnets are unlikely to erase an iPad or cause permanent damage. This article explores the various effects of magnetic fields on Apple's devices and offers insights into the different scenarios.

Are Magnets a Threat to iPads?

Apple devices such as the iPad use flash memory, which is resistant to magnetic fields. This means that strong magnetic fields, like those from common household magnets, are not likely to cause data loss or permanent damage to your device. However, very strong magnets can potentially disrupt sensors or cause temporary issues, which is unlikely to result in irreversible damage.

The Case of the Degausser

Some situations, such as the use of a degausser, can create different outcomes. Our workplace tested a degausser (a strong electromagnet used to perform a secure erase on magnetic storage devices) on iPads. A degausser, while powerful, is not designed to erase flash-based memory such as that found in iPads. We placed an iPad on a degausser continuously for ten minutes on each side, but we noticed only a cracked front glass and no apparent data loss or hardware damage.

Magnetic Fields and SSD Storage

In contrast to older magnetic storage devices like hard drives, iPads use solid-state drives (SSDs). Data is stored electically within the SSD, making it more resistant to static or variable magnetic fields. However, a varying magnetic field strong enough could potentially induce small voltages in the circuitry, leading to data loss. An MRI machine, which generates a powerful and varying magnetic field, can pose a risk to the data on an SSD. Household magnets, on the other hand, are not strong enough to produce such effects.

Common Misconceptions

Let's address a few common misconceptions:

Temporary Sleep Mode: A magnet will not erase data but may put the iPad into a sleep mode. The device will wake up once the magnet is removed. Reset as a Solution: For data erasure, a 'reset' under System Preferences General is the recommended method, not simply placing the device near a magnet. Magnetic Storage vs SSD: The data on an iPad is not stored magnetically but rather digitally on the SSD, making the device more resistant to typical magnetic field exposures.

In conclusion, while magnets are unlikely to cause severe damage to an iPad, it is important to keep them away from your devices to avoid any unforeseen issues. Understanding the mechanisms behind data storage on iPads can help dispel misconceptions and protect your devices from potential harm.