# Patient Controller NR - US — user reviews > 154 indexed App Store user reviews of Patient Controller NR by St. Jude Medical, Inc., rated 2.40/5 from 732 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patient-controller-nr-us/id1059237634/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patient-controller-nr-us/id1059237634.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 158 · 4★ 53 · 3★ 65 · 2★ 91 · 1★ 365 ## What do users think of Patient Controller NR? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 🚀 Easy to use - 👍 Helpful for pain management - 🔒 Secure connection to device **Cons** - 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iPhones - 🔋 Battery life problems with iPod controller - ⏱️ Slow connection and response times - 🤔 Lack of customization options **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes after iOS updates - Bluetooth connection frequently drops - Unable to access device settings on newer phones **Most requested features** - Update app to support latest iPhone models - Add ability to set custom program names - Integrate with Apple Watch for easier control - Provide real-time battery level monitoring ## Newest reviews (18 of 154) ### 2/5 — Phone update *2026-08-21, version 3.11.4* Please update app to current iPhones just bought 17pro max and went to log on having a rough day and the app is not supported. ### 4/5 — Abbott Stimulator *2026-05-19, version 3.11.4* This app needs to be updated to include apple iphone 17e ### 1/5 — I need it to work with my iphone15 *2026-05-09, version 3.11.4* I need it to work with my iPhone 15 ### 2/5 — Old obsolete app *2026-04-29, version 3.11.4* This app is at least 2 generations of iPhone out of date. I still have an iphone because the app won't work on an iphone15. Slow, unreliable connection. The only reason I use this is because the suppied controller never worked. ### 1/5 — Poor support *2026-04-09, version 3.11.4* Very slow to respond when there are issues and no support for iPhone 16 and 17. ### 1/5 — Used to love it *2026-02-23, version 3.11.4* And then one day my generator was no longer on the app. I’ve recently moved and haven’t found anyone yet in my new area to help me fix this. I don’t know what to do… ### 1/5 — No updates??? *2026-01-24, version 3.11.4* PATIENT BEWARE! No updates since the iPhone 14 came out? I can’t use my current device to control my battery pack? Not like I can easy change the device implanted in my back. ### 1/5 — PLEASE UPDATE THIS APP!!! *2026-01-24, version 3.11.4* It’s been YEARS since Abbott & St. Jude Medical touched this app!! I have an implant that I CANNOT CONTROL from my new iPhone 17 Pro Max because Abbott is ULTRA LAZY!! The old iPhone that I was upgraded to when I had my module surgically replaced in 11/23 doesn’t hold a charge for more than a day…MAX, even without usage! I also DO NOT want to have to carry around an extra iPhone (an old one, don’t even remember its version) just to control my stimulator! The device’s iPhone always has connection issues! I have to literally hold the phone over the stimulator for it to connect! Abbott… FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND YOUR PATIENTS… UPDATE YOUR APP!!!🤬 ### 1/5 — Horrible App for Patient Control *2026-01-05, version 3.11.4* For whatever reason, Abbott declines to invest in the app that controls the patient devices, essentially giving us life. This issue 4th phone upgrade where the CURRENT iOS version is incompatible with the old software. I’ve worked in pharma/biotech for years, and it is super easy to stay on the iOS upgrade path. Every company with a vested interest in patient health and safety, take the dozens of hours every year to ensure their patient apps are compatible. Abbott - do better!! ### 2/5 — Really Abbott?! *2025-12-29, version 3.11.4* Why has there not been an update to include iPhones more up to date than a 14? My 13 broke, and I upgraded to a 17. Now I can’t use it to adjust the settings!! What company with a medical device doesn’t push an update for 2 years? ### 1/5 — Pathetic *2025-12-28, version 3.11.4* 2 years since there has been an update. I guess since they decided to switch to supplying android devices with there stimulators, they don’t feel any obligation to us ios users. Shameful company. Im almost due for a new implant and I will be going elsewhere. ### 1/5 — PLEASE UPDATE THIS APP!!! *2025-12-16, version 3.11.4* It’s been YEARS since Abbott & St. Jude Medical touched this app!! I have an implant that I CANNOT CONTROL from my new iPhone 17 Pro Max because Abbott is ULTRA LAZY!! The old iPhone that I was upgraded to when I had my module surgically replaced in 11/23 doesn’t hold a charge for more than a day…MAX, even without usage! I also DO NOT want to have to carry around an extra iPhone (an old one, don’t even remember its version) just to control my stimulator! The device’s iPhone always has connection issues! I have to literally hold the phone over the stimulator for it to connect! Abbott… FO THE LOVE OF GOD AND YOUR PATIENTS… UPDATE YOUR APP!!! ### 3/5 — NEED TO ADD BETTER SUPPORT FOR NEWER IPHONES 15, 16 & 17s *2025-12-07, version 3.11.4* When are you going to start updating this app for all the newer iPhones? I would rather not have to carry two phones to with me! So update this app to support all new phones. Everyone needs to tell Abbott company to get on the ball. Horrible support for a very costly device!!!! ### 1/5 — Update this App for Newer iPhones! *2025-11-19, version 3.11.4* Dear Abbott, please update this app to accommodate newer iPhones! This is absolutely ridiculous! I have an iPhone 17 and cannot use this extinct app and must carry an additional device for my stimulator!!! Do better for patient care. ### 1/5 — Update Software *2025-10-11, version 3.11.4* Would like to have this on iPhone16. Step up your game. ### 1/5 — Out of date *2025-10-10, version 3.11.4* Get an iPhone they said. So I gave in and this app is not supported. Go figure. Please up date the app. ### 1/5 — iphone 13 pro max *2025-09-19, version 3.11.4* do not bother contacting abbott about anything . All i have been getting is a run around . and then contact this dept for a complaint like they thought i was trying to do . but a multibillion dollar company sells there product and then you are on your own ### 1/5 — iPhone 15 max *2025-09-06, version 3.11.4* Any time line on getting updated to support iPhone 15 pro max?? Been waiting for over a year. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Frustrated *2026-08-04, version 3.11.4* The app itself is great . However there hasn’t been an update to this app in 2 years . It would be nice if they could update this to include current iPhone 16 or 17. ### 1/5 — App needs updating!!!! *2026-07-20, version 3.11.4* What is going on the app needs updating. I have Apple 16Pro for over a year and still can’t get app on my phone. One doesn’t always think to bring a differs device in case you need an MRI or surgery, birth one dies think automatically to bing their phone. Get with it, I’ve been waiting long enough ### 1/5 — UPDATE THIS APP!!! *2026-06-15, version 3.11.4* Like most medical apps they never update them. After IPhone 14, no support. Sad, very sad. ### 1/5 — Update your App *2026-06-06, version 3.11.4* I have updated to an IPHONE 16 , Why can’t Abbott support it? 16 has been out for over a year. I have no control over my implant. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work for iPhone that’s above 11 *2026-06-05, version 3.11.4* This is bogus! I updated my phone to an iPhone 17 pro and now the app doesn’t work! So now I have to go digging around to find the controller that it comes with! I’m a diabetic I already have to carry extra supplies with me! I don’t want to have to carry another remote with me, that’s why they made the app and now it won’t work! This is BS! ### 1/5 — No devices sold in 4 years *2026-06-04, version 3.11.4* It is 2026 and the newest device supported was sold on 2022! I moved to this implant from a Boston Scientific specifically so I wouldn’t have to carry a remote. Not only does the device do NOTHING for me, it also won’t support any devices currently being sold. ### 1/5 — Dereliction of responsibility *2026-06-03, version 3.11.4* The fact that the current app ONLY works with outdated iPhones (iPhone 14 and younger) is a complete dereliction of Abbott’s responsibility to maintain the tech they make available to its patients. The last time Abbott updated this app was in 2022!! NOT OK!! We patients have devices in our bodies that are there to help mitigate chronic pain. However, this app makes it impossible to control the device rendering the neurostimulator useless. FIX IT NOW!!!! ### 1/5 — WTH??? *2026-06-01, version 3.11.4* If I could give a zero star review, I would. I’ve had a stimulator for 11 years. I had a replacement implanted 7 years ago and was excited that i could use an app on my phone for control. I upgraded my iphone SE to a 15 about 2 years ago. I haven’t had to make any adjustments to my stimulator until now, and i find out the app doesn’t work with 15. I charged up the ipod that came with it and it requires a password. I have no idea what it is since i never used it, only the app on my phone. I’m terrified that I will not be able to control my stimulator in case of an emergency, especially since I’m going out of the country soon. I read the app reviews and i’m beyond enraged that Abbot has apparently ignored the pleas of patients to update the app. WTH??? ### 1/5 — No update in over two years *2026-05-29, version 3.11.4* Are you telling me that in order to use the device surgically implanted onto my spinal cord, I’m required to go purchase an iPhone 14? The model released FOUR YEARS AGO? Why? Because there’s no profit in providing ongoing post-operation (sale) patient (customer) support? ### 1/5 — It’s 2026… what about newer devices like iPhone 15, 16, & 17/Air? *2026-05-26, version 3.11.4* Cannot use on iPhone Air and now that little iPod will not connect to Apple and get no updates. What is wrong with you Abbott? A $55,000 neural pain stimulator but no app to mange it! Modern day capitalism/medicine at work. 👎🤨 ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Was great, now waiting on update to make it great again! *2026-08-11, version 3.11.4* When I had the stimulator put in during 2019 I was sent home with an iPod touch to use as my controller and used it for a few years. Then one day I thought I’d try to controller app on my phone (iPhone 13 Pro) and that made it app even better… well, that iPhone had started showing it’s age so I upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and went to pair the phone to the stimulator and got the dreaded screen saying this device isn’t supported! The app still works on my old iPod but the iPod battery is not very good anymore and will drop 20% during one use at times! I still check every few months to see if there’s been any updates to provide coverage for this phone but I’m worried that once they do cover it, my phone will be needing replaced and to get the newest phone Apple has will cost me again with the controller app. Having one device (my iPhone) to carry with me on trips was great not to mention now my iPhone uses the USB-C charger but the iPod is a lightning type… I guess it’s hard for me to understand why some phone models are acceptable to use while others are not. Could better understand if it was different operating systems but both are Apple and that’s the confusing part. ### 5/5 — Compatibility and update so it can operate on ios26 and iPhones 15-17 *2025-11-18, version 3.11.4* Make compatible to iPhone so users don't have to carry two devices for those that use iPhone, push out update include all current iPhones on the market ### 5/5 — Great app, old hardware *2025-08-07, version 3.11.4* I share my frustrations with those who’ve written that the app itself works great. iPhone SE to control the device since I can’t put the app on my iPhone 16????? Please update app ASAP. ### 5/5 — Update!!!!!? *2025-05-03, version 3.11.4* When are we going to see 15 & 16 iPhones supported? 17 coming in months. I would like to update my phone. ### 5/5 — This app is old. Replace it with *2025-04-22, version 3.11.4* 4/2/25-Update This app is replaced with NeuroSphere™ Digital Health App Version 4.1 The description should tell us this. The stimulation device is great. It’s doing it’s job. I’m thankful that my company rep, supplied me with a new iPod Touch that’s never been updated. It’s amazing and worth others to consider and to solve issues with new IOS and phone issues. I wish the company would push updates quicker. I’ve been told they have to be approved by the FDA, I’m not sure if that’s true or just a line. But St Jude, please post a message to us users about your phone support. Tell us to never update without talking to you first! Now: It’s sad to have to carry around an two device just to get this critical application to work. Thank you ### 5/5 — Easy of use *2024-09-23, version 3.11.4* Works as directed Easy to understand Good support if having questions ### 5/5 — Update *2024-09-10* My husband went out and bought me an iPhone 14 so I could have the most up-to-date iPhone the main reason he did. This was so that I could receive the patient control alarm that was available on the older iPhones. I traded it from a Google pixel to an iPhone 14 just for this purpose. However, the iPhone 14 is not compatible with this program. The iPad that I have is Ancient and has a hard time connecting with my generator constantly and it's probably the fact that the iPod is an ancient technology, so it does not receive the same signals as most things. Please update so that I only have to walk around with one controller and not have to keep up with an extra controller. As I said, he did this to make my life easier so that I was not carrying around two things. I have memory loss and it is hard for me to keep up with my phone much less a controller as well. Please Help. **Developer response:** Thank you for providing feedback regarding your user experience. This feedback has been captured under complaint# TS-2098689. In order to better assist you, please contact our Technical Service team at 1-800-727-7846 with additional details. For your own privacy, please do not leave your personal contact details in the comments. ### 5/5 — Game Changer *2024-07-29, version 3.11.4* Thank you Abbott! Can’t tell you how fantastic it is to have control of my spinal cord stimulator(SCS) with my phone and not have to carry that $1k+ iPod Touch in addition to what I am already utilizing daily. The app on my iPhone 13 works perfectly and connects faster than the iPod touch did. Another note, I’ve had three different SCS’s and this one is night and day about the rest with the burst frequency. I’ve had 22 spinal surgeries to date and this makes a world of difference. ### 5/5 — Highly recommended *2024-07-12, version 3.11.4* I have both a traditional Spinal Cord Stimulator and a Dorsal Root Ganglia stimulator, and I find this app to be very helpful. I have an iPhone 11 and the app works great. It has allowed me to set aside the iPods for these other devices, and both devices are now controlled using only my phone. Perfect! ### 5/5 — IPhone 15 support *2024-03-19, version 3.11.4* It has been several months since the iPhone 15 came and still have no date for that release. I had to go back to an old iPod touch that still had luckily. I had a iPhone 12 and the app was working fine but this phone update wasn't a truly update for my SCS --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-10.*