Apple users have been warned not to leave their iPhones
charging under their pillows or on their beds while they sleep at night as it
could actually prove deadly
If you like to charge your phone overnight so that you can
wake up with a full battery, you might want to think again - as Apple has
issued iPhone users a stark warning about the dangers of leaving your phone
charging on the bed while you sleep. Manufacturers of the popular mobile phone
have said the common sleep mistake could even be deadly.
For many of us, leaving our phones charging overnight is the
most convenient time to replenish their batteries, as there's no chance of us
needing to unplug it before it's finished. However, Apple has warned you must
never sleep with your iPhone when it's charging, as it could "result in
fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to iPhone or other property".
The dangers are especially prevalent if your iPhone is
covered up and can't properly ventilate while it's charging, which is bad news
if you leave your phone next to your pillow at night. This can lead to
dangerous overheating and could not only damage your phone but even start a
fire.
In an official safety memo from Apple, they said:
"Don't sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place
them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it's connected to a power
source. Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a
well-ventilated area when in use or charging. Take special care if you have a
physical condition that affects your ability to detect heat against the
body."
Apple also warned that the risk of fire increases if you use
third-party chargers to power your device, as some cheaper chargers may not
have the same safety standards as Apple's official products. To combat this,
Apple recommends looking for "Made for iPhone" cables that comply
with international safety standards.
They explained: "You can also charge iPhone with 'Made
for iPhone' or other third-party cables and power adapters that are compliant
with USB 2.0 or later and with applicable country regulations and international
and regional safety standards. Other adapters may not meet applicable safety
standards, and charging with such adapters could pose a risk of death or
injury."
And it's not just charging while sleeping that you should
avoid, as Apple also insisted that you should never charge your device near
water or any other liquid, and should discard chargers as soon as they become
damaged. They said: "Using damaged cables or chargers, or charging when
moisture is present, can cause fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to
iPhone or other property."
