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iOS 9 lightening to USB audio clicks and pops

Hello,

I use my iPhone in a Chevy Volt via lightening cable to the car's usb port. After upgrading my iPhone 6 to iOS 9, the audio consistently clicked and popped. This only happens via usb, and audio from the headphone port is fine. I confirmed this with the Music app, ibooks, iHeart Radio, and Pandora. I put the phone in airplane mode and it had no effect, meaning, the clicks and pops still existed.


I quickly downgraded my phone to iOS 8.4.1 before apple doesn't allow it anymore, and everything is back to normal. No clicks and pops.

I'm putting this out there to:

  1. see if anyone else had this issue
  2. see if anyone else came up with a solution
  3. to let apple know this needs to be fixed in their next update hopefully.


It's a shame that this glitch happened. as otherwise, my phone was great with iOS 9.

Thank you.

iPhone 6, iOS 9

Posted on Sep 18, 2015 7:19 AM

Reply
122 replies

Sep 24, 2015 4:21 PM in response to warpbrained86

I can confirm this is an issue with my Chevy Volt as well on iOS9 and an iPhone 6. The USB Audio was fine until the iOS9 upgrade. In fact, my friend had an iPhone that was still on iOS 8 and I used the same USB cable and the issue is NOT present on iOS8.


I was hoping this might be resolved in the 9.0.1 update, however, I'm sad to report the popping and crackling of the audio is still present after the update.

Sep 24, 2015 5:51 PM in response to warpbrained86

Thank you all for chiming in with your experience. This might be the only way to bring it to Apple's attention. I can confirm that I downgraded to 8.4.1 and the audio is perfect.

I have a really long commute, and audio with clicks and pops is not an option.

Looking through the replies, I was going to suggest the common denominator that we are all driving GM vehicles. However, Mr. Honda up there also had a problem, though not the same as the rest of us.


Thanks for the update on 9.0.1 not fixing the issue. I'm going to hold off on the upgrade until someone can confirm that the issue has been fixed (if ever).

Thank you,

Mark

Sep 25, 2015 6:14 AM in response to warpbrained86

Same here ! 2012 Chevrolet Volt with an 5S Iphone. I have a clicking sound while listening to my music using the USB cable. With AUX cable, nothing wrong. I tried 2 different USB cable and they all have the same issue. Going back to IOS 8 fixes this. Please Apple fix this bug ! I have a long commute and I am a ''Apple Music'' suscriber just for this. If they don't fix this problem, I will consider ditching the subscription...waste of $

Sep 25, 2015 11:27 PM in response to warpbrained86

I'm having the same issue. I have a Chevy Volt (2012) as well... I upgraded my phone to iOS 9 and I think it was then I started noticing this issue.


I just got an iPhone 6s and the same thing is happening: a popping sound similar to a record player and more noticeable on cleaner tracks.


I've tried other devices (iPad, friend's iPhone)


Interestingly, I noticed when I played music from a friend's iPhone who hadn't upgraded, and streamed sound from Spotify. The popping sound was NOT present...


However, I tried another phone that was still in iOS 8 but had apple music and it was there.


9.0.1 did NOT fix it for me either. It seems though as if it is lesser than 9.0

Sep 28, 2015 2:23 AM in response to warpbrained86

Exact same problem here:


Devices: iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2

iOS: 9.0.1

Car: Opel Ampera 2013 (identical to Chevy Volt)

Apps: any app that uses the USB audio connection: Siri, Apple Music, Apple Maps, Google Maps etc. etc.


The audio was perfect before the upgrade. After iOS9 upgrade the audio pops frequently, almost as if it's a faulty analog connection or a vinyl record.

An iPhone 5S running 8.4 is working just fine.


It seems iOS9 broke the USB audio connection to the car, clearly software related.


NOTE: it seems only GM cars are affected. Across the web I see this issue come by often, yet only with GM brands: Chevy/Opel, Cadillac and Buick.

Does GM use a specific connection for external audio that somehow doesn't work with iOS9?

Sep 28, 2015 5:29 AM in response to warpbrained86


Things that did not work:


1. New factory radio from Buick

2. New USB cable

3. Settings>General>Accessibility>Phone Noise Cancellation>off

4. Turning down iphone volume and increasing radio volume

5. Samsung phone did not have a problem at repair shop, only iphone with update ios9


This helped me (0)



Sep 28, 2015 5:57 AM in response to hogschokeagain

I can now also confirm the problem is still there in the iOS9 Public Beta 2.


Something in iOS9 must have been updated that is not compatible with GM's audio processing.

I am not exactly sure how this works technically, but surely it's no coincidence:


we all have the problem after updating from iOS8 to 9 and we all drive GM cars made between 2010 and 2014.


PS: i have made an official feedback report regarding the issue for the current iOS beta. Let's hope this gets fixed asap.

Sep 28, 2015 8:46 AM in response to warpbrained86

Yet another confirmation here. Running latest iOS (9.0.1) and driving a 2011 Chevy Volt. I'm getting the same static, clicks, and pops that everyone is describing. Downgrading to iOS 8 would only be a short term fix for me as I have a new 6s coming in about a week. Why can't Apple work with auto manufacturers to test new releases better before the users see these problems? I have had more than enough encounters at my local dealership on iPhone issues where they pull out an Android phone to show me that it works perfectly there. Argh!!!!

iOS 9 lightening to USB audio clicks and pops

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