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iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

I have a new iPhone SE and have so far paired it to a 2014 BMW 328i and a 2011 Kia Optima and a 2015 Kia Santa Fe. In all cases, I have terrible quality bluetooth call reception... the audio while on a phone call is extremely scratchy and distorted.


If I pair an iPhone 6S to each of these vehicles (same iOS version - 9.3.1), I do NOT experience these issues and calls are clear.


When I use the iPhone SE to make phone calls outside of Bluetooth, I have no issues and calls are clear.


This bluetooth issue on my iPhone SE does NOT impact Bluetooth music streaming. Only sounds scratchy / distorted with phone calls.


Apple, so far, is blaming the vehicle manufacturers despite there being multiple vehicle models and brands involved.


BMW and Kia state this must be an Apple problem.


Apple Genius bar is absolutely no help -- they state they can't report "software issues" to Apple and are only able to replace bad iPhones.


I'm at a complete loss as to how to get this to Apple's attention so they can fix the issue.


For now, I don't know what to do. All I know is that Bluetooth audio is very important to me in California since it is illegal to use your phone except in a hands free manner.


Anyone know how we can get this information to someone at Apple that can actually do something about it?


Robert

Posted on Apr 4, 2016 5:27 PM

Reply
934 replies

Jul 20, 2017 12:39 PM in response to skierrob2

Thanks for the updates and diligence, skierrob2. Add me to the list as well. I received my iPhone SE 16 GB Space Gray running from T-Mobile on launch day, running iOS 9.3.1, and am having the same issue Bluetooth call issues with it paired to my 2015 VW Passat and my Powerbeats 2 Wireless earphones. So frustrating. I did not have these issues with my iPhone 6s. šŸ˜

Jul 20, 2017 12:39 PM in response to skierrob2

I am part of the public beta program as well so I just submitted the feedback and details to them via the Feedback app and included the URL for this discussion. Fingers crossed this is software related.

Aug 22, 2017 4:18 AM in response to skierrob2

Same problem,


I had an Iphone 4, works very fine with the Parrot CK3100.

With the new Iphone SE (128GB) is works bad. And not with bluetooth anymore, only via the cloud....

I bought the Parrot in 2014; so it is pretty new. The Iphone SE had to work with it - if not, can I get back the ā‚¬ 260,-- from the Parrot (price including building in car.)

More complies, the Iphone SE is picking up signals worser than my old Iphone 4. I can't driving around and using 4G; often I lost connection with the network. I am using 3G on my SE but the netwerk connection is worser than with Iphone 4 (still have the same provider).

Nov 2, 2017 1:18 AM in response to robertterhorst

You are not alone having still issues with Bluetooth hands-free on iPhone SE in 2017... It's a shame for Apple that they ignore these issues !!! It seriously decreases the value of the phone (unfortunately this is a standard phone model in my company). Apple, wake up please ! Many of your customers just need the things working, they are not interested in Apple brand or religion but functionality !!!

Apr 4, 2016 5:32 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

I have done the following:


1. Reset network settings.

2. Started from scratch -- wiped the whole phone (erase all contents and settings) and then set up as a new iPhone

3. Unpaired and re-paired the phone after "forgetting" the device in each vehicle.

4. For no good reason, also tried using VOLTE and a regular non-VOLTE call. Same audio issue with both.

5. For no good reason, used an AT&T SIM card and a Verizon SIM card. Same audio issue with both.

The problem persists after all this troubleshooting. None of the above steps have helped.

Apr 4, 2016 5:42 PM in response to skierrob2

To be honest, at that point, I don't see anything else that you can do? Do you have the option of going to a different Apple Store and explaining the situation to the Genius there? You do have the option to call Apple Support. You have 90 days of free phone support with the purchase of the new device. Explain the situation to them and you could send the device in for service. That may produce a different outcome.

iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

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