If you or someone you know has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), avoid using an iPhone 12. According to a recent study in Heart Rhythm Journal, iPhone 12 and its accessories can interfere with the behavior of an ICD and 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 notice applies to all iPhone 12 devices, including iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Max and iPhone 12 Max Plus. MagSafe accessories on the iPhone 12 are also a risk, specifically the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger, due to its magnets and NFC radios.
According to the study, the magnetic charge coils and RF-emitting components of these products are strong enough to interfere with the internal mechanisms of an ICD, which respond to magnetic fields. The researchers observed an immediate suspension of ICD heart regulation operations if an iPhone “was brought closer to the ICD over the left chest area”. The interference “persisted during the test.”
This poses serious health risks, including the possibility of heart failure or cardiac arrest. To help inform users about potential risks, Apple has updated its iPhone 12 health and safety documentation with new guidelines based on the report’s suggestions. Apple now recommends users to keep their iPhone 12 and MagSafe accessories more than 15 centimeters away from their chest at all times and more than 30 centimeters away if the phone is charging wirelessly. Definitely, don’t put your iPhone in your shirt or jacket pocket.
While these warnings are for the iPhone 12 line and its magnetic accessories specifically, they are not the only products that can affect medical devices. A similar case study shows that smartwatches and fitness trackers can interfere with ICDs if they are 2.4 centimeters from the location of the ICD on the patient’s chest. The interference of the iPhone 12 is more severe, especially during wireless charging, but you must be careful when using any smart devices close to someone with an ICD.
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