Why do I hear static from radio speakers when my iPhone is near?

Robert Gruber1,

This article discusses interference with accesories and speakers that are not designed as "Works with iPhone" this interference with unshielded devices is not unique to the iPhone, but can happen with any GSM device:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305766

It also links to this article on RF interference in general:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305662

It can also vary based on services you are using (messages, EDGE, or speaking on the phone).

Hope this helps,

Nathan C.

It's the GSM cellphone radio signal interference.

I only experienced this once i started using a GSM phone last year on Cingular (RAZR V3 Moto). The same goes for the iPhone. It's the frequency it's transmitting/receiving that interferes with radio and television.

Keep your iPhone a distance away and you wont' hear it 😉

Yeah, it's almost funny at times actually. You can hear the signal interference just before you phone starts to ring or receive a txt msg 😉

You can almost predict your phone is going to ring, lol.

I also had similar experience. I heard the static while surfing through EDGE, too. I am sure that Apple and AT&T will be able to work this out.

iPhone, MacBook, MacMini Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Because the speakers are UNSHIELDED. You have two options: Use "Airplane Mode" or buy shielded speakers. It is not an Apple or ATT problem; it is inheirent in all GSM phones. Oh, there is a third option: move to Verizon and use their CDMA network; of course you won't be able to use the iPhone then.

Much as I hate to say it, I'm not sure they will. There's some fine print in the little booklet that came with the iPhone that says:

"nearly every electronic device is subject to radio frequency interference from external sources if inadequately shielded or designed, or otherwise not configured to be compatible. As a result, iPhone may cause interference with other devices. Follow these instructions to avoid interference problems"

"Vehicles: RF signals may affect installed or inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor vehicles. Check with the manufacturer or its representative regarding your vehicle.

Electronic Devices: Most modern electronic equipment is shielded from RF signals. However, certain electronic equipment may not be shielded against the RF signals from iPhone."

Basically, those translate to me as "it's not our problem". Because these happen when the RF ramps up to try to reach a signal I don't see it as something Apple can fix. It's my second phone that does this.

So, according to Apple, if my desk phone, conference room phones, 40K new car, Powerbook G4, Onkyo surround sound system, and a few other things had been properly made it wouldn't be happening 😉

Still a huge fan, so I'm just getting used to it. If I just move the iPhone farther away from the speaker it gets better.

Sorry - in short, I wouldn't count on this getting fixed.

Aym

There is nothing you can do, nor can Apple, nor can ATT. Your GSM phone will always cause some interference with some electrical appliances. It has always been like that and it occurs worldwide, not just with your iPhone.

Try using a Cingular 8525 phone anywhere near your computer, for example.

Just don't keep your iPhone near your radio. There is usually a 4 - 5 foot radius of interference.

I wonder if the phone can be shielded to prevent
this... Pay attention case manufacturers!!!

Yes it can, but then you will lose ALL connectivity: no bluetooth, no wifi, no cell phone. In other words, you now have a $600.00 iPod!

There is nothing you can do, nor can Apple, nor can
ATT. Your GSM phone will always cause some
interference with some electrical appliances. It has
always been like that and it occurs worldwide, not
just with your iPhone.

Try using a Cingular 8525 phone anywhere near your
computer, for example.

Just don't keep your iPhone near your radio. There is
usually a 4 - 5 foot radius of interference.

I hear the interference in speakers that are about 9 feet (3 meters) away. It may be that these speakers are more sensitive or the iPhone puts out a stronger signal.

I stuck my iPhone in my JBL speaker donut... TALK ABOUT FEEDBACK... I am going to need a 6ft speaker cord to leverage any speaker system around here, but I had the issue with my other phones. It was much easier to throw my razr across the room to stop the interference... won't be doing that with the iPhone 🙂

All of my cell phones have always made my PC speakers go crazy

Any shielding that prevented it on the iPhone, would also prevent the iPhone from sending and receiving GSM signals. Similiar to Airplane mode on the iPhone.