Q: iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

There is a problem with Hyundai i40 FL (2015), the same as above - voice of low quality when using via bluetooth.

This is an iOS issue. I've been working on this issue for a week and following this thread closely. Here is what I know after spending 3 hours in my local Apple Store:

1. It is an issue with 9.3.1 and is not hardware related.

2. I explained my problem at the Apple store. They confirmed after making a call on my SE with my bluetooth device there was a call quality problem.

3. We tried to connect my bluetooth to a store SE and the same problem persisted.

4. We changed bluetooth devices and reconnected to the store SE and then my SE. Same problem poor call quality.

5. We then connected to a store 6S and the call quality problem went away.

6. We then connected my bluetooth to the store 6S and was able to make a call with clear audio.

7. I exchanged my SE for the 6S and restored a backup from iCloud to the new 6S.

8. Once I was able to make a phone call with the new 6S that was restored from backup I had poor call audio.

9. The backup initiated the update from 9.2.1 which is installed on the 6S to latest iOS with patch 9.3.1.

10. So we started this process all over again at this point by reconnecting both the store bluetooth and my device to the store's floor 6S. We had clear call quality.

11. So we exchanged the new 6S I just purchased for a new 6S that was not updated and activated the phone as new without downloading the iCloud backup which means I didn't update the phone to iOS 9.3.1. Problem resolved and I now have clear call quality with my bluetooth device.

IF YOU EXCHANGE YOUR SE FOR ANY OTHER iPHONE DO NOT RESTORE FROM BACKUP. THIS WILL FORCE YOU TO UPDATE TO 9.3.1 AND THE PROBLEM WILL FOLLOW TO YOUR NEW PHONE.

The SE is currently being shipped with iOS 9.3.1

The 6S out of the box has 9.2.1

I hope this information helps anyone who is trying to resolve the same issue many of us have been working on.

If you can't live without your bluetooth device like me then you have no choice but to return your phone for the 6S and do not update to 9.3.1

If you can wait then I'm sure sooner rather than later there will be a patch for the patch.

Good luck.

OCDLarry - Interesting as I went through much of what you described above except when I exchanged my SE for a 6S, the person at the Apple Store updated IOS to 9.3.1 and I restored from the iCloud backup I had created from my SE and I have no problem with sound quality on my 6S.

Wow. Thanks for all your effort and reporting it. This sounds very possible. But again, how come that this is not worth a quick note from Apple? That does not leave a good impression.

joym126 I'm glad you had success with the exchange and upgrade.

Many, like myself, still experience the same bluetooth call audio problem.

That sounds very interesting. My wife got an iphone 6 with iOS 9.3.1 with clear BT voice calls.

I would like to know what exactly leads to bad BT voice calls. Combination of Backup, BT Chipset and iOS Version?

I ordered a 5S as a replacement and want to update to 9.3.1 including restoring my backup.

I appreciate a quick note from Apple what it is all about.

franmedia while failing is easy admitting it is more difficult. It's easier to be the hero with the solution instead of the person that will have to admit to the problem they caused.

Too many times companies, people, etc will attach the stigma of being a failure and failing together. Just because you fail doesn't make you a failure. It simply means you failed. Admit, learn from it, and move on.

You're absolutely right. Would have thought Apple stays on top of these thoughts, though. What a pity.

Was told again today it's in the hands of the Apple engineers. Either a software fix or will receive an advisory notice. Will likely have to suck it in and return and spend more for the 6s. No good alternative.

I have it on mine. 2013 Mini Cooper. I'm wishing I had returned before 14 days. I hope it's a software glitch and a fix is in the works.

or wait a few months for the i7

I Have the same issues with a Hyundai Santa Fe my previous phones a blackberry and a moto g both had good audio when paired to the vehicle. I hope that Apple will support us and provide a fix. It is a safety issue and a responsability that they should not take lightly.

I just went to T-Mobile store and had to return the device since had 2 days left of 14 day period.  Employee told me they don't know when they will get shipment of SE and directed me to Apple store, so I could buy the phone from them.  I explained the situation with Bluetooth and manager waved restocking fee.  By the way Apple store doesn't have them either

I Can't believe that this thread is 26 pages long and apple haven't replied to the thread and have there head in the sand. This is a safety issue which surely should be sorted Asap and I'm so glad i returned my 2 SE iphones I purchased back for a refund.t

Surely they must keep a watch on there own website.

SO bought a new SE Friday last week, used it on hands free in 2 of my vehicles and it was perfect, not a single sound out of place. Updated the phone Sunday to 9.3.1 and now the hands free quality is absolutely shocking, I can't make out what the other person is saying. Have tried other devices and vehicles with no issues,only seems to be with theSE connected since the update.

any news on this, as i can't undo the update and the phone is pretty worthless to me if I can't use hands free??