Audio cuts out when launching Amazon app
I've seen this question a number of times but the threads are all locked. The issue is that when I am connected to a Bluetooth device listening to music, if I launch the Amazon app, the audio cuts out briefly and the quality drops. When I close the app, the audio cuts out again and comes back with the original quality.
I believe I have determined the source of the problem. Amazon added Alexa functionality to their iPhone app, which eagerly tries to connect to to the microphone. In addition, they have opted for the highest compatibility (but lowest quality) Bluetooth connection. This forces Bluetooth audio to transition from "high-quality music" mode into basic "phone call" mode which hitches the entire audio system. This compatibility mode is opt-in in some apps like Google Maps for navigation audio, but does not appear configurable in the Amazon app.
The solution is to search the problematic app for an option to disable compatibility mode in its use of the microphone, or disable microphone permissions for the app altogether. I have confirmed that disabling microphone access for the Amazon app in OS settings stops the hitch from occurring.
iPhone 11 Pro Max, iOS 15