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Apple warns against holding the iPhone 12 too close to pacemakers

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Apple has cautioned against holding its most recent iPhones too close to pacemakers and defibrillators following the publication of a medical study raising concerns they could interfere with the medical devices.

The tech giant launched four iPhone 12 models late last year, all of which contain more magnets than previous models to accommodate new magnetic MagSafe chargers and accessories including cases and wallets.

Although Apple claimed the newer phones are not expected to interfere with the medical device’s electromagnetic fields more than older models, it is advising keeping the newer handsets at least six inches away from them to avoid potential interference.

The study, published in the Heart Rhythm Journal earlier this month, warned how the new phones could “potentially inhibit lifesaving therapy in a patient particularly while carrying the phone in upper pocket”.

Asking patients to remain vigilant

Three doctors held an iPhone 12 close to a patient’s implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a small device that uses electrical pulses to regulate abnormal heart rhythms, which went into a suspended state upon detecting the presence of magnets.

EMB UNTIL 14.00 BST TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2020 iPhone 12 (Photo: Rhiannon Williams/i)
The new iPhones contain circular magnets on their back to ensure cases and other accessories align and to enable faster wireless charging (Photo: Rhiannon Williams/i)

The same result recured when the phone was held into different positions, the three authors claimed, warning medical device manufacturers and physicians to “remain vigilant in making patients aware of this significant interaction of the iPhone 12 and other smart wearables with their cardiac implantable electronic devices.”

While Apple had previously acknowledged the handsets’ potential to disrupt pacemakers, it released an updated statement advising patients to consult with their doctors over whether they needed to maintain a safe distance from the phones.

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“Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators might contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact,” the company said.

If in doubt, stop using the device

“To avoid any potential interactions with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than six inches/15cm apart or more than 12 inches/30cm apart if wirelessly charging).

“Manufacturers often provide recommendations on the safe use of their devices around wireless or magnetic products to prevent possible interference. If you suspect iPhone or any MagSafe accessories are interfering with your medical device, stop using your iPhone or MagSafe accessories.”

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