skierrob2

Q: iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

I have a new iPhone SE and have so far paired it to a 2014 BMW 328i and a 2011 Kia Optima and a 2015 Kia Santa Fe. In all cases, I have terrible quality bluetooth call reception... the audio while on a phone call is extremely scratchy and distorted.

 

If I pair an iPhone 6S to each of these vehicles (same iOS version - 9.3.1), I do NOT experience these issues and calls are clear.

 

When I use the iPhone SE to make phone calls outside of Bluetooth, I have no issues and calls are clear.

 

This bluetooth issue on my iPhone SE does NOT impact Bluetooth music streaming. Only sounds scratchy / distorted with phone calls.

 

Apple, so far, is blaming the vehicle manufacturers despite there being multiple vehicle models and brands involved.

 

BMW and Kia state this must be an Apple problem.

 

Apple Genius bar is absolutely no help -- they state they can't report "software issues" to Apple and are only able to replace bad iPhones.

 

I'm at a complete loss as to how to get this to Apple's attention so they can fix the issue.

 

For now, I don't know what to do. All I know is that Bluetooth audio is very important to me in California since it is illegal to use your phone except in a hands free manner.

 

Anyone know how we can get this information to someone at Apple that can actually do something about it?

 

Robert

Posted on Apr 4, 2016 5:27 PM

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Q: iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

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  • by brettfromcoffs harbour,

    brettfromcoffs harbour brettfromcoffs harbour Apr 7, 2016 9:45 PM in response to ianrm57
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Apr 7, 2016 9:45 PM in response to ianrm57

    I don't know what i would of done if mine hadn't fixed itself, i drive for work. I actually sold my 5C the morning i found i had the problem so had no back up. Probably would of ebayed it and bought a 6S. I do know the manager at the Telstra store where i bought it but i love the phone and didn't want to spend another $3-400 more. These problems are why its always better to buy direct from Apple and use the 14 day return, but i hesitated on the pre order. Good Luck

  • by calmurphs5,

    calmurphs5 calmurphs5 Apr 7, 2016 10:03 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 7, 2016 10:03 PM in response to skierrob2

    I am having the exact same issues with static and hideous phone call quality when using the SE with bluetooth in our cars (2008 BMW 335i and 2016 BMW X3). You can't understand anything the other person is saying although they can hear you.  I have tried all the suggested fixes, but nothing has helped.  I have switched back to the old 5s as that works perfectly in the cars.  Please Apple fix this.....I waited patiently for 2 years not upgrading my phone in hopes that a phone smaller than a iPhone 6 would be available again.

  • by ianrm57,

    ianrm57 ianrm57 Apr 7, 2016 11:05 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour
    Level 1 (10 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 7, 2016 11:05 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

    BTW the guy from Apple that told me to get a replacement or refund told me that the 2 week return policy is valid if purchased from Apple and ANY authorised reseller. I wouldn't be surprised if that rule is part of the Aust Consumer protection laws.

  • by Ross_H_D,

    Ross_H_D Ross_H_D Apr 7, 2016 11:22 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 7, 2016 11:22 PM in response to skierrob2

    Folks,

    I had what may have been a breakthrough with an iRep this evening as we worked through different tests of the static issue. He had me:

         Shut the phone OFF

         Pull the SIM card

         Reinsert the SIM card

         Boot the phone up.

     

    I then deleted and re-added the BT connections to the devices that were not working properly. I am not 100% sure as I could not create enough volume to thoroughly test but do believe we may have success. I hear a small crackle on calls but nothing like what has been the symptom of this thread.

     

    YMMV

     

    Please report back so I can pass along the info.

     

    RHD

  • by wdinoz,

    wdinoz wdinoz Apr 7, 2016 11:47 PM in response to Ross_H_D
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 7, 2016 11:47 PM in response to Ross_H_D

    Tried that and it didn't work for me. I have called support and now have another appointment to see genius bar at local apple shop. As mentioned in previous posts, my phone also sounds like it has something loose inside. My 4S does have any rattles.

  • by meonard,

    meonard meonard Apr 8, 2016 12:07 AM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 12:07 AM in response to skierrob2

    Add another 2015 GMC Yukon to the list. I am experiencing the exact same issue as described here. Distorted, almost inaudible BT calls on my end. People on the other end report sound is fine.

     

    MY (failed) troubleshooting steps:

     

    1. Reset network settings. No change

    2. Reset all settings. (not recommended)

    3. Deleted all BT relationships and re-paired. No change

    4. Visited Genius bar they were not aware of any BT issues. GB factory reset and updated ios. No change

    5. Started from scratch -- wiped the whole phone (erased all contents and settings) and then set up as a new iPhone

    6. Bought another iPhone SE, same issue. No change

    7. Re-paired vehicle with my iPhone 6 Plus (works fine).


    My guess is this is a software issue since the sound works fine in one direction. That's my hope anyway. My return window is closing soon so I will need to decide whether or not to keep the phone. I am hopeful for a fast resolution to this issue as I like the phone otherwise but this is a dealbreaker.

     

     

     

     

     

  • by ianrm57,

    ianrm57 ianrm57 Apr 8, 2016 12:19 AM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (10 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 12:19 AM in response to skierrob2

    I'm in the same boat. Have decided to take the refund and see if they fix the issue. The apple guy I spoke to today, also said this is the first he'd heard of the issue. Must be the standard answer from the memo at apple HQ.

     

    Will be hard to handle the slow old 4S after the SE. Might try and find a cheap 5S to tide me over

  • by brettfromcoffs harbour,

    brettfromcoffs harbour brettfromcoffs harbour Apr 8, 2016 12:31 AM in response to ianrm57
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 12:31 AM in response to ianrm57

    Has anyone with the phone on 9.3 out of the box have the problem? Or is it just those that have updated to 9.3.1?

  • by meonard,

    meonard meonard Apr 8, 2016 12:52 AM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 12:52 AM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

    yes, tried it both ways. Same issue

  • by akordion,

    akordion akordion Apr 8, 2016 1:04 AM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour
    Level 1 (10 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 1:04 AM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

    I just reverted back to 9.3 and tested Bluetooth, still same issue.

  • by brettfromcoffs harbour,

    brettfromcoffs harbour brettfromcoffs harbour Apr 8, 2016 1:44 AM in response to akordion
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 1:44 AM in response to akordion

    What about someone who hasn't done the update at all and is on 9.3 from new? I must of got lucky as erase and set up as new fixed it, i have only been able to find 1 other person that its worked for in my searching.

    Second post in this thread.

     

    iPhone se Bluetooth volume

     

    Let me reassure you that your experience couldn't be further from the truth.

     

    I have been in conversation with a representative from Apple (Hi, Ashlyn!) for a number of days now, and can, without a doubt, assure you that Apple is taking this quite seriously.  Bug reports HAVE been filed (by me), and Engineering has requested and has been receiving logs from a number of the individuals from this thread so they can actively investigate the cause of the issue.

     

    AT NO POINT has ANY Apple employee suggested to me that I needed to, or would need to, reset or reinstall my phone's software regarding this issue.  This problem is NOT being experienced only by users with MyFord Sync or any other specific brand of automobile software. This is happening with many different makes/models of vehicles as well as with handheld and/or worn Bluetooth devices.

     

    This issue is being actively investigated and hopefully a fix will be coming soon.

     

    Thank you.

  • by ianrm57,

    ianrm57 ianrm57 Apr 8, 2016 3:37 AM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour
    Level 1 (10 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 3:37 AM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

    Another thing I noticed with the SE is that Bluetooth reception would start to break up at only about 3 metres from the phone. I would easily get three or four times this range on the 4S. Has anyone else noticed this?

  • by brettfromcoffs harbour,

    brettfromcoffs harbour brettfromcoffs harbour Apr 8, 2016 3:47 AM in response to ianrm57
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 3:47 AM in response to ianrm57

    No mine seems to work from the same distance as my last few iphones.

  • by skierrob2,

    skierrob2 skierrob2 Apr 8, 2016 10:59 AM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (34 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 10:59 AM in response to skierrob2

    Has anyone tried the first public beta of 9.3.2 to see if it possibly resolves the issue for them?  I saw that came out today and am curious.

  • by Ross_H_D,

    Ross_H_D Ross_H_D Apr 8, 2016 11:32 AM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 11:32 AM in response to skierrob2

    Sadley after through testing my BT condition still exists. Pulling the SIM card did not rectify the issue. As an interesting note however, the use of the same BT device ion a call with the same people using Skype provides crystal clear Blutetooth quality on the calls. Maybe a different BT profile is in use for these type calls.

    RHD

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