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skierrob2 Author

Level 1

38 points

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

934 replies

Mickrt

Level 1

4 points

Apr 7, 2016 1:46 PM in response to skierrob2

Hi all

I have had a call from Apple tech support in Houston, they asked me lots of questions and I have emailed them the link to this thread. They do not have a fix but have confirmed that this is a worldwide problem. I have sent both of my SE's back to EE.

Senna67

Level 1

8 points

Apr 7, 2016 4:00 PM in response to Mickrt

Is this problem with all the SE's ? (all colors and memory sizes )

akordion

Level 1

15 points

Apr 7, 2016 4:07 PM in response to Senna67

I think all of them or at least most of them have issues. Mine is Gold 16GB

ianrm57

Level 1

14 points

Apr 7, 2016 4:14 PM in response to akordion

Yes, looks like it, 64g Space Grey here, same issues. Apple have been running me round in circles doing resets, restores etc, not admitting there is a problem, then they put on an expert (or a diplomat ) that basically suggested that I should go to the shop and try and find one that works, even tho the 3 I have already suddenly stopped working with the SE.

Apr 7, 2016 4:46 PM in response to ianrm57

I am in Australia and had the same problem, reported to Apple Engineers 2 days ago but have no reply, i erased my phone and set up as new phone and it now works perfect. It started for me after i did the 9.3.1 update.

skierrob2 Author

Level 1

38 points

Apr 7, 2016 4:53 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

When you set up as new phone did it keep 9.3.1 on the phone? I erased in iTunes and set up from scratch and it put 9.3.1 back on the device and I still have the issue.

FYI - an Apple engineer called me today. Had me place a Bluetooth diagnostic profile on my phone, made some test calls, and is having me upload the log files to them tonight. I have a follow-up phone call tomorrow.

Robert

ianrm57

Level 1

14 points

Apr 7, 2016 4:55 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

Hi,

You mean the problem started after the 9.3.1 update or the update fixed it?

I also erased my phone and downloaded new ios 9.3.1 (restore to new state I think its called) yesterday with the help of Apple support and it made no difference to my SE 64G.

Also reset network settings etc etc all with no result.

Apr 7, 2016 5:04 PM in response to ianrm57

Yes i think it started after i did the update, i erased mine and set up as a new phone in iTunes. It worked. I drive 2000kms in a week sometimes and use my uniden handset in my office, i was about to eBay it and get a 6S, i really like the SE though.

It will be a software update fix for sure, it happened once before with a update a few years ago, how long is the problem.

What i did was backed it up, erased it and then setup as new phone in iTunes, didn't use the backup. I read it worked for someone else too, was a last resort as you lose all messages but i had them on my iMac/ipad.

Apr 7, 2016 5:08 PM in response to skierrob2

Yes it still had 9.3.1 back on it. Good to know they are onto it then.

ianrm57

Level 1

14 points

Apr 7, 2016 5:17 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

I bought my SE from Officeworks in Coffs on Tuesday. Spent all week trying to solve these issues.

Can I ask what is the model of Bluetooth headset that is working correctly for you?

Apr 7, 2016 5:50 PM in response to ianrm57

Wow you are in Coffs lol? I bought mine from Telstra store in the mall a week ago so there was no returning not for this problem anyway. It's a uniden mobile link not a headset, a bluetooth cordless phone.

ianrm57

Level 1

14 points

Apr 7, 2016 6:08 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

Hi,

I'm at Stuarts Point about an hour and a half sth with all the roadworks these days. Apple has just put me in the too hard basket and told me to ask for a replacement.

Apr 7, 2016 6:36 PM in response to ianrm57

Ok, did you try erasing and set up as new in iTunes? Mine is working ok after that i just had a 20 min call over b/tooth. If you are getting a replacement i would do it through Apple don't think office works would.

wdinoz

Level 1

4 points

Apr 7, 2016 6:49 PM in response to skierrob2

Hello Robert,

I am having the same issue here in Australia, my 4S worked well with Bluetooth headsets I have in office and also in my 2010 BMW 3 Series. Now with the SE, I find it difficult to understand what is being said by person on other end, both in the car and on headset. The person on the other end can here me fine, and as in your case, my music Bluetooth connection to my Yamaha receiver is not an issue and I can here music clearly at home.

I have been to the genius bar and they were no help, suggesting that it may be a Bluetooth version compatibility issue. I am currently waiting on a ver 4.1 headset to arrive to confirm their suspicions, however I do not think this is the issue, especially having read this forum and searched for compatibility issues in Bluetooth last few days.

Also I do not want to update my car at this point in time either, nor do I want a larger 6 series phone.

I am new to these forums, and would appreciate your assistance in how to formally lodge my issue on this site or somewhere it will be taken notice of.

Regards, Wayne

Apr 7, 2016 7:25 PM in response to skierrob2

Took my phone in to the Apple Store for replacement tonight. The new phone has the same issue, so it must be a software glitch.

iPhone SE Bluetooth issues