skierrob2

Q: 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

Close

Q: iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

first Previous Page 7 of 62 last Next
  • by Trilantis,

    Trilantis Trilantis Apr 8, 2016 1:07 PM in response to Ross_H_D
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 1:07 PM in response to Ross_H_D

    Since I continued to have this issue on my replacement SE, I re-opened my case with Apple and got in contact with a senior advisor. He saw this thread, took a bunch of notes about my phone & BT devices in use, and sent it off to engineering. Hopefully I will hear back from them soon with more information.

     

    I would strongly suggest to anyone in this thread who hasn't already, contact Apple support and open a ticket. It seems like they're taking this pretty seriously, and any additional data they can gather is going to speed up resolving the issue.

  • by FreddiP,

    FreddiP FreddiP Apr 8, 2016 2:54 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 2:54 PM in response to skierrob2

    No go with 2010 BMW 335xi.  Seems to work fine through Skype or Rogers One Number (voip) type of services.  Audio unbearable through phone app. Seems worse with my home land line using cordless phone as opposed to calling another iPhone. Perhaps it's an audio compression/decompression thing.  I will try land line with hardwired line later to see if audio compression by cordless phone is part of the issue.

  • by Mom2threeboyz,

    Mom2threeboyz Mom2threeboyz Apr 8, 2016 2:54 PM in response to Ross_H_D
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 2:54 PM in response to Ross_H_D

    Same issue here- iPhone se 64gb, Toyota Sienna 2009-  connect to BT, but can't hear anyone due to sounding fuzzy & muffled.

    Also same result with wireless earpieces. Attempted the reset to new device- same problem. Sadly I just sent my old iPhone 5s to my son in college.

  • by Mom2threeboyz,

    Mom2threeboyz Mom2threeboyz Apr 8, 2016 2:57 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 2:57 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

    Are we thinking this is mainly a software issue or device issue? Not sure if I should return it & wait to see if it gets resolved.

  • by Paz100,

    Paz100 Paz100 Apr 8, 2016 3:01 PM in response to Mom2threeboyz
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 3:01 PM in response to Mom2threeboyz

    Think it's a software issue. I'm in the same boat-not sure if I should return my device and get a 6s

  • by akordion,

    akordion akordion Apr 8, 2016 3:08 PM in response to Mom2threeboyz
    Level 1 (10 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 3:08 PM in response to Mom2threeboyz

    I am thinking it could be Bluetooth firmware for iPhone SE needs some adjustments.  When using Bluetooth headset during calls, it sounds like the max volume is set and it gets distorted.  I don't know if Bluetooth module is any different than iPhone 5s had.  To me it doesn't really matter if it is software or hardware issue because if it is software, then Apple should/will release an update.  In case if it is hardware issue, then they would recall/replace some devices.  Either way we should be covered.  If any of you guys really need Bluetooth to function properly for business purposes, then returning device, then re-buying it would be a logical thing to do.

  • by Steve9881,

    Steve9881 Steve9881 Apr 8, 2016 3:08 PM in response to Paz100
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 3:08 PM in response to Paz100

    After speaking to online tech I've been advised to return the handset tomorrow for a exchange. Will report back tomorrow afternoon with my findings.

  • by skierrob2,

    skierrob2 skierrob2 Apr 8, 2016 3:11 PM in response to Steve9881
    Level 1 (34 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 3:11 PM in response to Steve9881

    Why would you exchange the device when all of us are having problems?  Numerous people have exchanged their devices with no improvement. 

     

    I think the answer is to either return the headset and use a different model, or wait for Apple to fix the issue.  The only problem is we have no clue how long it will be before a fix is released.

     

    Robert

  • by Ross_H_D,

    Ross_H_D Ross_H_D Apr 8, 2016 3:13 PM in response to Steve9881
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 8, 2016 3:13 PM in response to Steve9881

    Sounds like a very "low" support procedure, aka passing the buck.

     

    RHD

  • by Steve9881,

    Steve9881 Steve9881 Apr 8, 2016 3:21 PM in response to Ross_H_D
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 3:21 PM in response to Ross_H_D

    i completly agree. They are attempting to pass the buck. They did the diagnostic tests and within 2 minutes had decided it's a handset fault Based on there findings.

     

    Not convinced in the slightest that the handset is to blame, but, just to humour them, I'll go and swap it tomorrow. I'm still perfectly happy using my 5S, so if the replacement SE is the same as the current one, I'll just keep using the 5s until a update makes good the problem.

  • by SW8130,

    SW8130 SW8130 Apr 8, 2016 5:49 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 5:49 PM in response to skierrob2

    Add us to the list; bought my wife an iPhone SE and we have the same issue.

     

    2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 MyLink

    2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

  • by Andreas bbg,

    Andreas bbg Andreas bbg Apr 8, 2016 9:36 PM in response to SW8130
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 9:36 PM in response to SW8130

    ich habe das gleiche Problem mit iPhone SE und Ford Kuga 2016.

  • by Hendr1co,

    Hendr1co Hendr1co Apr 8, 2016 10:19 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 8, 2016 10:19 PM in response to skierrob2

    What I really dont like is that apple does not confirm they have a bug in their phone. They could at least make a formal press release where they state that they expect if its a hardware/software problem and when they have planned to fix it.

     

    The only solution now for me is return the device and swap to another brand as I am not willing to pay even more money to get a working iphone 6s. When I spent €589 for a phone (a year income in some places of the world where the iphone is made), I expect high quality which means also that its tested decently and that the customer care is communicating. I dont have the time to wait until the return period is over or the police will fine me for calling with the phone on my ear.

     

    So please apple communicate more about this problem before I switch also with this device to another brand.

     

    ps problem also on several peugeot models here in the Netherlands

  • by palmas69,

    palmas69 palmas69 Apr 9, 2016 4:51 AM in response to Hendr1co
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Apr 9, 2016 4:51 AM in response to Hendr1co

    Completely agree with you!!!

    I found another "bug" during normal calls.. Audio is distorted in normal conversation BUT if I turn off LTE (return to 3G) audio call is OK..

    I think that Apple has to solve a more general issue than bluetooth stack..

     

    P.S. Very disappointed about this phone.. Shall we talk about vibration motor? More noisy than previous 5 because it has the 6S motor (that is configured for a more heavy and large chassis)...

  • by meonard,

    meonard meonard Apr 9, 2016 6:27 AM in response to Hendr1co
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 9, 2016 6:27 AM in response to Hendr1co

    I agree, people are wasting a lot of time on this. They could at least acknoledge the issue. I am returning my two se 's today.

first Previous Page 7 of 62 last Next