Apple has asked iPhone 12 users to keep their phones and other MagSafedevices at least 6 inches away from pacemakers and other similar implantedmedical devices. This comes after a study from the Heart Rhythm Journalreported that the iPhone 12’s MagSafe features can deactivate pacemakers insome instances.

The Heart Rhythm Journal found that a Medtronic pacemaker ceased tofunction when an iPhone 12 was held near it. Apparently, the problem iscaused by the additional magnets found in the iPhone 12, rather than thephone itself. Pacemakers are susceptible to magnetic fields, and themagnets in the iPhone’s are strong enough to cause issues with how theyfunction.

The tech giant updated a support document on its website in response to theclaims made in the study, and warned iPhone 12 users to steer clear ofpacemakers and defibrillators, as well as other advice on the situation.The report also asserted that the latest iPhone models don’t “pose agreater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than prior iPhonemodels.”

The company had initially published the support document at the same timethe iPhone launched, but added the following paragraph to the document,

*Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators mightcontain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact.To avoid any potential interactions with these devices, keep your iPhoneand MagSafe accessories a safe distance away from your device (more than 6inches / 15 cm apart or more than 12 inches / 30 cm apart if wirelesslycharging). But consult with your physician and your device manufacturer forspecific guidelines.*