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If you or someone you know has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), you may want to avoid using an iPhone 12. According to a recent study from the Heart rate diary, iPhone 12 and its accessories can interfere with the behavior of an ICD or even prevent it from working.
The study found that several components of the iPhone 12 can “potentially inhibit life-saving therapy in a patient, especially when carrying the phone in the upper pockets.” This warning applies to all iPhone 12 devices, including iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Max, and iPhone 12 Max Plus. IPhone 12 MagSafe accessories also pose a risk, especially MagSafe charger and MagSafe Duo charger, thanks to their magnets and NFC radios.
According to the study, the magnetic charge coils and RF emitting components of these products are powerful enough to interfere with the internal mechanisms of an ICD, which respond to magnetic fields. The researchers observed an immediate suspension of cardiac regulation operations of the ICD if an iPhone “was brought closer to the ICD over the left chest.” The interference “persisted for the duration of the test.”
This poses serious health risks, including the possibility of heart failure or cardiac arrest. To help educate users of potential risks, Apple updated its iPhone 12 health and safety documentation with new guidelines based on the report’s suggestions. Apple now recommends that users keep their iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories more than six inches from their chest at all times, and more than 12 inches if your phone is charging wirelessly. Definitely don’t put your iPhone in your breast pocket on your shirt or jacket.
While these warnings relate specifically to the iPhone 12 range and its magnetic accessories, they are not the only products that can affect medical devices. A similar case study shows that smartwatches and activity trackers can interfere with ICDs if they are within two inches of the location of the ICD in a patient’s chest. IPhone 12 interference is more severe especially when charging wirelessly, but you need to be careful all smart devices near a person with an ICD
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