How the Apple iPhone 3G S Magnetometer Works.By Dr. ArsenyLebedev B.S. Ph.D

Compasses are attracted to the Earth’s poles using MagnetsSource: Everyone knows that.

The iPhone 3G S does not use magnets.

Magnetic interference would render the iPhone’s cellular capabilities useless.Sources: http://link.aip.org/link/abstract/VIRT01/v19/i22/p112/s1http://weeksmd.com/?p=1521http://blogs.crikey.com.au/planetalking/2009/03/06/electromagnetic-interference-back-in-frame-as-possible-cause-of-qantas-a330-incidents/http://machinegunkeyboard.com/?p=254http://www.macnn.com/blogs/2009/06/11/apples-iphone-emergency-mode-processor-features-patent.html

http://link.aip.org/link/abstract/VIRT01/v19/i22/p112/s1

http://weeksmd.com/?p=1521

http://blogs.crikey.com.au/planetalking/2009/03/06/electromagnetic-interference-back-in-frame-as-possible-cause-of-qantas-a330-incidents/

http://machinegunkeyboard.com/?p=254

http://www.macnn.com/blogs/2009/06/11/apples-iphone-emergency-mode-processor-features-patent.html

Spectrograph AnalysisOnce introduced, magnetic interference drops signal strength parabolically. Frequency and power ranges are consistent with GSM bands.

Electronic Solution Apple must be utilizing simple RF to determine North.

Hardware DetailsThe AK8973 chip on the iPhone is a small sensor that “listens” for an ultra low frequency signal. If that signal comes from a specific spot like North, paired with the accelerometer the device can calculate its orientation and direction.Sources:http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/24/cost_to_build_apples_new_iphone_3g_s_estimated_at_179.htmlJohn W. Jewett, Raymond A. Serway,Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, pp 532-545, Brooks/Cole, 2007

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/24/cost_to_build_apples_new_iphone_3g_s_estimated_at_179.html

John W. Jewett, Raymond A. Serway,Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, pp 532-545, Brooks/Cole, 2007

Possible Flaw: How does Apple transmit an RF signal around the world?

Obvious AnswerApple has built a Dharma station on the North Pole to transmit a signal!

Contactarseny@magnetismstudios.comTwitter: @arsenyOh, and check out FileMagnet, which really does use magnets: