On the web there are many complaints about this, and all suggestions are a fail. It looks like a massive Apple fail. How to get the Apple 'geniuses' to address this stunning failure? My only advice at this point is to discourage people from buying an Iphone. My Android was so much better, and none of this nonsense!
iPhone 16, iOS 18
I have multiple Bluetooth speakers and earphones and other devices successfully connected to my iPhone 16. Not a single issue connecting any Bluetooth device here. Since you didn't tell us what troubleshooting steps you've taken, the most common reason a Bluetooth device won't connect is it wasn't put in pairing mode per the manufacturers directions for the phone to see and pair with it. Another reason could be it is already paired with another device which is nearby and powered on. And some Bluetooth devices have a limit to how many devices it can be paired with and may need to be restored to factory settings.
Have you gone through the link for help --> If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
Your advice to recommend people not buy iPhone is misguided. The vast majority of users have no issues at all connecting Bluetooth accessories to their iPhone, when they do it correctly.
Iphone 16 won't connect with bluetooth speaker.
