Bluetooth bad quality connection on iPhone 16pro max

Since you've already reset all settings (including network settings) on your iPhone 16 Pro Max and also reset the Bluetooth speaker, but the issue persists while your husband's iPhone sounds fine, there are still a few things you can check before paying a visit to your local Apple Store.

Some Bluetooth speakers use AAC, SBC, or aptX codecs, and sometimes that device might default to a lower-quality codec.

• To test this:
  • Connect your speaker to your iPhone.
  • Play audio and check in Settings > Bluetooth if there's an option to select a higher-quality codec (if available.)
  • Try playing from different apps like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube—any difference?

Check to see if "Hearing Aid Compatibility" is enabled on your phone.

• Tap on Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices
• Turn off “Hearing Aid Compatibility” if it’s on.

Try disable Sound Check & Equalizer in the Music app.

• Tap on Settings > Apps > Music
• Turn off "Sound Check."
• Set EQ to 'Off' (or try different options).

If your iPhone has issues only with this speaker, it could be a compatibility issue; however, if all Bluetooth audio devices sound bad, it’s likely a hardware or software problem ... and time to make that visit.