Will the new iPhone 12 interfere with ICD/pacemaker?

Hi Yoko224,

Thanks for bringing this question to us! This User Guide was recently updated and has some helpful information related to your question. I'll quote the information you can find near the bottom of this guide:

"Medical device interference  iPhone contains magnets as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. These magnets and electromagnetic fields may interfere with medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators.

Though all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than prior iPhone models, they're not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than prior iPhone models.

Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for information specific to your medical device and whether you need to maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical device and iPhone. There are many types of medical devices, and manufacturers often provide recommendations on the safe use of their devices around wireless or magnetic products to prevent possible interference. If you suspect iPhone is interfering with your medical device, stop using iPhone."

Thank you!

I'm a pacemaker holder. My cardiologist told me that interferences are a very rare eventuality and from a brief review of the studies carried out in this regard, it is highlighted that interference is more likely to occur in cases where both devices are not technologically advanced. Furthermore, this electrical interaction does not always have a practical consequence that impacts cardiac activity.

It is sufficient to follow some simple precautions to avoid the risk of interference. It is good practice to keep the mobile phone at least 15 cm away from the pacemaker implant site. For example, do not keep the mobile phone in the shirt pocket if the pacemaker is implanted in the chest or in the belt if it is implanted in the abdomen. It is also better to use the headset during conversations, or the speakerphone, alternatively to converse with the ear opposite the side where the pacemaker is implanted.

Obviously there are much more dangerous interferences from other devices (i.e. microwave oven).

And, of course, not being a doctor, you must take my words only as testimony and experience, certainly not as a rule.

Best of luck

Giulio

iPhone contains magnets that may interfere with medical devices. See “Important safety information” in the iPhone User Guide.

https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1958/en_US/iphone-12-pro-ios14-info.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3908865/

More than likely the doctor will not know either. How about contacting the manufacturer of the pacemaker?

Axel F.

Interesting question however you should get an answer from Apple Support. FYI: These are user-only forums. You are not speaking to Apple. if you need to speak with Apple Support, then contact product and tech support: ➔ Contacting Apple for support and service including international calling numbers.

Axel F.

Hi, I am a pacemaker holder since many years. Unfortunately I feel VERY uncomfortable with my new iPhone 12 Pro. It is really disappointing, but I had to give my brand-new Iphone 12 Pro to my hubby. As for me, I really feel the magnets while I am reading on the IPHONE 12 for example, and believe me this feeling is not nice. Of course I could hold it more far away, but then it would not be my normal distance for reading and I would need glasses.

Well, I am back with my old iPhone XS...it#s ok but really a little bit frustrating

I have a similar question. My son has 2 VP shunts in his head due to Hydrocephalus. These shunts are programmable and the settings are adjusted with a medical magnetic device. The shunts settings can be accidentally changed if near a powerful magnet.

he wants the new iPhone 12. Is this going to present an issue for him? If so, can the magnets be removed from the iPhone 12? Would a tech be able to remove them and the phone still operate normally?

Thanks, Kim

Thank You. Extremely informative and useful information.

Axel F.

My pleasure, Yoko224.

Giulio

P.S. Grazie, AF :)