iPhone 5 Bluetooth issues with car

I suffer the same incoming call (and sporadic Bluetooth Audio) problem with my iPhone 5 and my 2012 Infiniti M37X. We have an iPhone 4S in the household running the same version of the OS and it works perfectly.

Looking at this objectively, I don't quite understand the foregone conclusion that this is an Apple problem. Clearly, it is not a problem that lies with the Apple software, since, as noted, that same software running on prior generation phones works fine.

It is public knowledge that the iPhone 5 uses a new variant of Bluetooth chip, and while it would be Apple's fault (at least, indirectly) if there was a design defect with that chip, the problem could just as well (and probably does) lie with the software in the affected auto bluetooth systems. How can I reach this conclusion? None of the automakers design or develop their own system software in this regard; it is supplied by a third party and made to work with a given automaker's controls and user interface. I don't know for a fact, but I would not be surprised if only two companies supplied all of these systems for the entire automotive industry. A small number of suppliers, which slight differences in their software, would explain why the complaints about iPhone 5 Bluetooth connectivity are limited to a select group of automobile makes.

All that said, I also can't understand why Apple acts as if it is not aware there is a problem. If there is even the perception that problem lies with Apple, it could hurt its reputation and product sales.

I just spoke to Patrick at Infiniti Bluetooth support. (800-662-6200 Option 7, ask for bluetooth support) who claims that they are getting very close and I should call back next week at the same time when he hopes that they have a solution.

I stressed how dangerous this is to answer the phone on the iphone on the handset and transfer it back to the bluetooth. He suggested to keep hitting the talk button on the steering wheel and it should reconnect. He asked that I share this on the board.

Good luck to all of us!!

I tried to keep pushing the button as suggested and it did not work. My radio just kept playing.

This is just to let you know what I understand to be the cause of the problem (according to an Apple rep.)

The Iphone 5 has a new arial and an upgrade to the Blue Tooth firmware(version 4.0.) They moved from version 2 to become more compatible with the newest version which is more applicable internationally. Unfortunately it does not seem to be backward compatible to all prior firmware versions. If Apple's firmware version is accurate according to standard 4.0 they won't and shouldn't change. It is up to the other systems to change. Unfortunately there are multiple versions of firmware out there and it is up to the auto companies to keep up to date. They do test the different phones in their cars and if you go to their web sites they list the phones that are compatible. But you have to realize there are so many phones and firmware versions that it is extremely difficult to make either the car or phones backward compatible with everything else out there.

It is my understanding that Mercedes should have upgraded their firmware already and that Nissan/Infinity are working on an upgrade. The primary problem seems to occure if you have the navigation system. Don't know if that is 100% true it is just what I was told by Nissan.

As you move forward what comes first, the chicken or the egg? We have been through it before with analog vs digital TV signals as well as with Microsoft in that they don't support old versions any more.

As you say, Good Luck to all of us!

Interesting that on the Infiniti website the iPhone 5 is not shown as being compatible with my '11 M56. Nor is it even shown as being tested. So, as much as people want to blame Apple, Infiniti is slow in upgrading its firmware to work with one of the most popular phones.

That is because they haven't cleared it yet and that is why we are all having problems! If it was listed as compatible we shouldn't be having these issues

So what you're saying is that because Apple changed something in it's Bluetooth function, I need to go buy a new Titan truck to get back the advertised capability that I had before buying the iPhone5. Oh, and need to buy a new Garmin Zumo for my motorcycle, too. (same problem).

That's ridiculous. Apple changed something; everything worked properly before the change. Apple marketed a new release and now neither of my hands-free devices work properly.

But you don't think it's Apple's responsibility? I submit to you that it's ENTIRELY Apple's responsibility.

I've been an iPhone customer since the first one came out. I've upgraded every 2 years with a new AT&T contract. It appears that I've upgraded once too often. As much as I like my iPhone, it is failing miserably with its new Bluetooth compatibility. It's not my truck's fault . . . and it's not Garmin's fault (or any of the other complainants equipment here on this forum with the same problem).

Apparently, Apple is not going to respond. Also apparently, there are Apple apologists among us that will always point the blame elsewhere.

I still have almost 1 year and 8 or 9 months with my current contract. Will seriously look at other smart phone vendors before upgrading again.

Apple didn't hang the moon, by the way. They simply had a good product. Their new release product is not performing properly; and they don't seem to care. They won't even acknowledge the problem.

Ken

I'm far from an Apple apologist - I could really care less about them. All I'm saying is me as well as others should have confirmed with my car manufacturer that my new iPhone would work with my car. It's no different than Apple changing the power connector to the Lightning version. You may need to update your accessories. Things change.

What it sounds like is Apple made my 2013 Toyota obsolete. Only Apple could do that because they are the "almighty" Apple. Toyota, Nissan, Infinity, Ford, Mercedes, BMW etc., are just insignificant little companies that are all at fault. All of these crappy little companies need to conform to Apple.

I guess my windows computer is obsolete also. Updated to the latest iTunes version, now iTunes will not open. Tried everything I can to get it to work.....still nothing.

Apples new maps = sucky. About 5 other smaller issues that leaves me with no good feelings toward Apple and really regret my iPhone. I never thought I would be in this situation with an Apple product. A simple reply acknowledging the issue and information on whether or not they are working on something would be nice. Un-be-freKing-leavable!

It is ridiculous to blame all the car manufacturers. Apple should have made their bluetooth backward compatible. They are solely to blame. Even if apple resolves this issue next time around I will never buy an Apple product again due to Apple's non-existant response.

I haven't read this whole thread, but I hope many folks let Apple know about this at http://www.apple.com/feedback (I just did). I also sent Tim Cook an e-mail asking for an update. I suppose I'll give AppleCare a call to see what their response is. Let's have a bunch of squeaky wheels!

Apple didn't render anything obsolete. BlueTooth is a short-distance, low-power communication protocol that operates pursuant to published standards. It is true that Apple uses the latest (and lowest power usage) version of BlueTooth in the Iphone 5. This newest standard is 100% backwards compatible with prior devices PROVIDED those devices were designed with complete compliance to the earlier standard.

It is apparent that some manufacturers are using a software "stack" that is so compliant-- and hence, no complaints or issues-- and others, such as Infiniti, Honda, etc. are not. I believe Pioneer, manufacturer of auto head units that utilize BlueTooth, was one of the, if not the, first to issue an update that fixed the problem. It is telling that the fix came from the control unit manufacturer's side, not the mobile device (Apple).

By the way, there are otherm non-Apple mobile devices utilizing the latest BlueTooth standard that are also having problems. Again, strongly indicative that the problem does not lie with Apple (unless you wish to blame it and others for using the latest, less power-consumptive, version of BlueTooth).

Katchman's response is a good one. In fact, one of the links AppleCare sent me is to it! Here are the others. Now I need to find out my radio's manufacturer.

Some car stereos require a firmware update for AVRCP 1.4 Bluetooth compatibility

iOS Supported Bluetooth Profiles

For Infiniti owners.

I followed up with Infiniti bluetooth support this afternoon and was advised a firmware update is anticipated to be sent to all the Infiniti dealers at the end of this month with a service bulletin addressing the iPhone 5 bluetooth issue.

This firmware update will require a service visit to allow the upgrade to the car's bluetooth programming and is supposed to fix the problem.

So, at least for Infinitis, it appears as though the end is in sight.🙂

Well Infiniti's suggestion that I keep hitting talk did not work so I called back again today 800-662-6200 option 7 and asked for bluetooth support. After being on hold for an hour, I hung up and called again.

After 5 minutes I spoke to Patrick again who told me "good news, we have a fix that is going out on CD to all dealers early next week. Please call your dealer late next week to have the new software installed in your car."

Let's pray this works!!!