Apple devices and pacemakers: here's the thing
As much as you love your HomePod or iPad, hugging it or laying in bed with it is a bad idea if you have a pacemaker. Apple has made clear in a support document which devices you should keep at a safe distance. This also applies to other medical implants such as a defibrillator. Such medical devices can be upset by magnetic interference.
There was already a discussion about whether MagSafe and pacemakers go well together. The American regulator FDA also got involved and conducted research, which showed that the risk with pacemakers is small. However, you should be careful not to carry iPhone 12 series devices in your breast pocket. Apple recommends keeping a distance of 15 centimeters and charging from 30 centimeters away or more.
But it doesn't just apply to iPhone 12 devices and MagSafe chargers. More and more devices are equipped with magnets, so that you can stick a cover to it, for example. Apple's support document now lists all the devices you should be careful of as a user of a pacemaker, defibrillator, and similar medical implants. To avoid dealing with medical claims, Apple also gives the obvious advice that you should consult your doctor for specific instructions.
You should be careful with these devices if you have a pacemaker:
- AirPods and charging case (all models)
- Apple Watch
- Apple Watch bands with magnets
- Apple Watch chargers with magnets
- HomePod and HomePod mini
- iPads (all models)
- iPad Smart Covers and Smart Folios
- iPad Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio
- Magic Keyboard for iPad
- iPhone 12 models
- MagSafe Accessories
- Mac, iMac and MacBook (all models)
- Apple Pro Display XDR
- Beats Flex, Beats X, PowerBeats Pro, and UrBeats3
Some other Apple products may also contain magnets, but are likely to interfere with medical devices is small, can be read in the support document.
Short-range problems
Earlier, the American Heart Association warned that the iPhone 12 Pro Max caused interference if you hold it close to a pacemaker (1.5 cm). This was a small study, in which 11 of the 14 pacemakers tested showed problems. According to a cardiologist, it has always been known that magnets can cause interference with implants, but with the iPhone 12 series, the magnet effect is surprisingly strong. The chances of holding an Apple device 1.5 cm from a pacemaker are not that great unless you swallow an AirPod or lie on your iPhone while you sleep. Later tests show that pacemakers do indeed stop functioning properly if you keep them close to them.