Cardiologists warn against the influence of the iPhone on implanted defibrillators 12: The new MagSafe magnets on smartphones are so strong that they inhibit “life-saving therapy”, according to an article published in the journal Heart Rhythm . The new iPhone puts the function of an implanted cardioverter defibrillator out of action as soon as the device is near the implant – for example, by carrying it in a pocket in the heart area.

The implanted defibrillator loses its function The external magnetic field causes the defibrillator’s current surge to be temporarily disabled set, which should automatically normalize the cardiac muscle activity in the event of sudden ventricular flutter, the doctors explain in their paper. In a test with a patient, the iPhone 12 paralyzed the defibrillators from Medtronic in a reproducible manner as soon as it was held over the implant in the left chest area

This is an “important public health problem” because current studies show only a minimal risk of magnetic interference when using older smartphones show implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Medical device manufacturers and doctors should make their patients aware of this “significant interaction” with the iPhone 12, conclude the cardiologists – others “Smart” too Wearables “could lead to impairments.

Apple sees “no higher risk” through MagSafe Apple also draws attention to the fact that the iPhone can cause “interference with medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators” due to magnets and electromagnetic fields. The iPhone 12 does contain more magnets than older models, but “no higher risk of magnetic interference with medical devices is to be expected”, says it from the manufacturer.

Apple’s new MagSafe technology consists of additional magnets, a magnetometer and an additional NFC reader. The magnets are designed to ensure that MagSafe induction chargers dock precisely. This should enable faster wireless charging with up to 15 watts.

(lbe)