The risk is small, but it is real. That is why Apple cracked a press release to warn users of his latest smartphone, the iPhone 12. This must be kept away from cardiac stimulation devices, due to the possibility of interference. The new generation iPhone (and 5G compatible) would indeed be “likely to interfere with the proper functioning of medical devices”, according to Apple. In other words, he can outright deactivate a pacemaker.
This is a study published on January 4 in the American journal Heart Rythm which forced the firm to the apple to react. Cardiologists had highlighted the risk for people with an automatic defibrillator implanted in the chest. The iPhone 12, placed in the inside pocket of a fabric jacket, was capable of causing the device to malfunction.
The explanation is simple and Apple makes no secret of it. “The iPhone contains magnets as well as components and transmitters that produce electromagnetic fields.” However, the magnets of version 12 are more powerful than those of previous iPhones, in order to be perfectly compatible with the new Magsafe wireless chargers.
Even if Apple emphasizes that these magnets “are not supposed to present a greater risk of magnetic interference” with pacemakers, the manufacturer admits that it is preferable to respect some precautions of use:
“Maintain a safe distance between your iPhone (and its MagSafe accessories) and your medical device (more than 15 cm or more than 30 cm in case of wireless charging). Do not hesitate to consult your doctor and the manufacturer of your medical device for specific information about it. “
Apple even advises a drastic solution when in doubt: “If you think your iPhone or a MagSafe accessory is interfering with your medical device, stop using it.” A useful prevention message for a product costing 900 euros each…
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