Study: MagSafe technology is too risky for users of heart devices

L ‘American Heart Association Confirms Apple devices with MagSafe technology can interfere with pacemakers when placed directly on or near the skin.

The Journal of the American Heart Association agreed with a previous Heart Rhythm Journal report that close contact with the iPhone 12 had caused problems with some implantable heart devices. The effect is only active when the iPhone is on or very close to the system.

MagSafe avec l’iPhone 12 Pro Max tests

For its tests, the American Heart Association primarily used the iPhone 12 Pro Max:

“Our study shows that magnet reversal mode can be activated when iPhone 12 Pro Max is placed directly on the skin on the implantable heart device, and thus has the potential to prevent life-saving treatments.”

Testing involved placing the iPhone 12 Pro Max very close to a series of 11 pacemakers and defibrillators. Some were devices already implanted in a series of patients, which the report describes as “in vivo” tests. Others are “ex vivo” devices or devices that have been newly opened and have not yet been implanted. The degree of interference varied during testing, but all devices were affected by the interference. The report states that “iPhone 12 Pro Max was able to activate magnetic reverse mode at a distance of up to 1.5 cm” .

However, the report recommends the need for a broader study of the issue. Also, keep in mind that all heart patients who use a smartphone should “consult a professional” for advice on this.

In January 2021, Apple updated its MagSafe support document to instruct users to keep the iPhone 12 about 6 inches away from any medical implants.