Level 1

32 points

iPhone 16 pro with iOS 26.0.1 bluetooth connectivity issues

I have an "iPhone 16 Pro" and the old "Airpods Pro 2" plus the new "Airpods Pro 3". I have random Bluetooth connectivity issues to the point that during calls it automatically switches to the iPhone speakers (where I need to manually switch back to the paired airpods). I've updated to the iOS 26.0.1 and the issue still persists. Initially though it was a problem with my new airpods pro 3, but going back to my Pro 2 ones it is the exact same issue.

Resetting the network connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) via General - Transfer or Reset iPhone - Reset, on the iPhone did not fix, neither reboot the device, neither disable "Hand off" nor enabling "Keep audio in headphones" under Settings - General - AirPlay & Continuity.

Note: Same Airpods connected to other devices (iPhone 12 and iPad 10th with iOS 18.7.1) do not have any issues.

Don't know what to do, I'm really unhappy about this and hope that apple fixes this problem once for all for all the devices in iOS 26.

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 30, 2025 11:07 AM

Top-ranking reply

TheLittles

Level 10

208,617 points

Posted on Nov 6, 2025 4:51 PM

"Do you happen to have Windows Phone Link installed? I did, which was set up about the same time as when iOS 26-26.0.1 came out. I uninstalled Phone Link and everything works fine now."

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Are you getting this issue with iOS26.1?

Report your Findings to Apple:

These are just user-to-usr forums. So, if you are still not getting this issue, then I recommend informing Apple of this bug and its fix. Apple may not get back to you directly, but the more feedback they receive on this, the more they will know what is occurring, and what bug fixes to include in updates to come. Apple will know nothing of your findings, if you don't report it to them.

Go Here: Feedback - iPhone - Apple
Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feedback Type"
Comment: on the issue, and the fix, and how you came across the fix. Include the URL of this thread.
Proceed from there as necessary

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25 replies

seth_m_

Level 1

8 points

Oct 27, 2025 9:17 AM in response to v00d00x

I purchased my phone back in August, and I’ve had this issue since purchasing it on iOS 18. Was recommended to upgrade to iOS 26 by support, but still haven’t tested it on the new iOS.

this thread has me concerned it will persist. Support verified there’s no hardware issue via the diagnostics, so it’s clearly a software, firmware, or codec issue. What’s the deal?

gluckos

Level 1

8 points

Oct 30, 2025 9:39 PM in response to v00d00x

I am experiencing a problem with my iPhone 16 Pro Max and both AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 3. While listening to audio, everything works fine without issues. However, as soon as I start talking through any of these AirPods, they begin disconnecting and reconnecting repeatedly. This makes it impossible to have a conversation using the AirPods.

Nov 1, 2025 2:02 PM in response to v00d00x

Ever since the 26.0 & 26.0.1 updates my iphone 14 pro max fails to connect to Bluetooth devices, including airpods, carplay, and other bt speakers...or it connects inconsistently/intermittently. If I reset the network settings and forget and repair devices, it will connect and then drop the connection after a few minutes. The same devices connect to other phones on ios 18 and other devices without any issues. I've tried all the suggested resets or workarounds posted online, but none resolve the issue.

Lui Bove

Level 1

21 points

Nov 13, 2025 7:00 AM in response to jasonfromsanantonio

Same issue here, Bluetooth on my 2019 RAV4, won't connect after successful pairing. It will only work after pairing, the next time I use my car, it won't connect. This behavior started with IOS 18!!! I can't believe Apple can't fix this!!!

I had this issue on my iphone XR & Apple tech forced me to upgrade to 16e, & same issues. I think Apple should pay me back for paying 1K for a new iphone!!!

v00d00x Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 18, 2025 10:43 AM in response to v00d00x

After giving some time with iOS 26.1 version, the problem seems to persist. The issue occurs from time to time.

Update: I have a friend of mine with an iphone 14 that recently bought airpods pro 3 and he’s using iOS 26.1 already, and he noticed that his music paused out of the sudden as well.

Nov 23, 2025 9:00 AM in response to v00d00x

I have done all these things as well. Iphone 14 Pro Max. I have even forgotten all devices, set them back up, reset network settings. I have 2 sets of the Airpods 4NC version and it was fine prior to ios26.

Connections randomly drop

When talking, the quality will go to a hot garbled mess and sound robotic.

Bluetooth speakers cut in and out.

I did create a report following the guide below, hope everyone else has as well because this is frustrating to say the very least when trying to run a business and keep having to have the clients repeat themselves or be tied to my phone to my ear and not use hands free.

Oct 8, 2025 10:06 PM in response to v00d00x

I want to update my iPhone 6 iOS

Oct 21, 2025 9:18 PM in response to Joo-Chen

Same

Nov 23, 2025 8:04 AM in response to Garethreynolds

Is this THE Gareth Reynolds??

Oct 12, 2025 6:51 PM in response to Otejunk1970

Yep, same issue here and only with iOS 26 on iPhone. My iPad and MacBook still work perfectly fine, but it’s like the Bluetooth process freezes and a phone reboot is the only solution. The fact that this hasn’t been addressed since multiple people brought it up four months ago is beyond annoying.

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iPhone 16 pro with iOS 26.0.1 bluetooth connectivity issues