iPhone 7 Bluetooth connectivity with Ford SYNC malfunctions

I disconnect the wifi in the iphone, meaning that the iphone is not searching for available wifi networks.I don't know why but having the iphone with wifi disconnected is not causing the issue so far.

The lack of support from Apple is appalling for this issue, they certainly have gone down in my estimations after this.

It's actually quite a dangerous safety issue, people will be tempted to use there phone illegally as the hands free is not functioning properly and someone could have an accident because if it. I'm sure the media attention of that would encourage Apple to take this issue seriously but let's hope it does not come to that...

I contacted Ford. Based on the updated software 10.2.1 is not compatible with Sync 3. This is a "known issue" by both Apple and Ford. Neither of which can provide timing to rectify. One of the most popular phones (iPhone 7) and most popular cars (2017 Ford Explorer) - are not working. Apple Help!

My problem is similar. I use to be able to USB connect and after I bought the 7 I can only use Bluetooth for music. The USB shows the song titles on the sync window and time elapse but no music sound. If I switch to blue tooth sync I get music but it never showed data on the sync window before the 7. The problem should be fixed by either Apple or Ford. Seems to me there are more Apple 7's than sync vehicles. I'd almost rather give up Sync and find a other Apple car connection device from Apple. Apple is more important than the Ford Sync. Either way Ford/Apple are you listening?

I have all the latest software as well as got my radio flashed by Ford to no avail......I've called Apple numerous times, to which they always tell me an engineer with phone back in 24 hours.....that started over 3 weeks ago.....Making me regret my 7 and of course they won't void it and send me a different 6s either!

Hi, Have this problem with a recently purchased Ford Mondeo Estate (late 2015 model), had iPhone 7 since January which worked on my previous Mondeo. Car went back to dealer 2 weeks ago to have latest radio software on SYNC 2, but still had the same problem with Bluetooth repeatable dropping out (only when on phone calls).

Tested my neighbour's older iPhone 7 which didn't drop at all.

Went to Apple Store last week and they replaced the handset (although they couldn't fault it in store).

Well although I initially thought this was a SYNC 2 fault its actually proved to be a problem with my new iPhone 7.

the replacement handset works absolutely fine.

Original handset model MN962B/A, Replacement handset NN962ZD/A.

I hope this helps other of you in the same boat, Regards Peter

HI, in store they said their was a buried Bluetooth chip which was probably the problem, as the original iPhone 7 was only 4 months old I think they just decided to replace the whole handset, a strong point was made that they would only replace the handset once for this problem. Although professional the helper in store would not disclose if they have seen this before.

I've read this and the associated 51 page thread several times and see that their are variations of the Bluetooth problem, I'm sure that their is no black and white answer, I can only say that my problem only happened on calls and what has proved to be the problem (phone hardware).

Peter

It has been over 7 months since the original post. It has also been over 7 months since the iphone 7 release date. There has been numerous iphone 7 software updates and patches, and none of them have resolved this extremely common issue. Come on Apple, ***?

UPDATE!!! Earlier in this discussion, I posted that I was experiencing iPhone 7 bluetooth connectivity issues with Ford SYNC. Specifically, my iPhone 7 (Model A1778, Intel chipset) would not maintain bluetooth connectivity with SYNC when on a cellular call. It would repeatedly drop and re-establish the bluetooth connection. It would not drop the call, but simply lose the bluetooth connection with the vehicle. I was able to stream music via bluetooth from my iPhone 7 without any issues. The problem only occurred when on a call. I also have an iPhone 6 (Model A1549, Qualcomm chipset) as well. I never had any issues with that phone and SYNC bluetooth connectivity.

I tried all the suggested troubleshooting tips in order to rectify this issue. I was fairly certain that I was wasting my time in doing so, but nevertheless, was willing to give the various steps a chance. Apple support was no help in resolving the matter. They were cordial and apologetic, but were unable to resolve the issue. After doing extensive research on my own, I became familiar with ALL the iPhone 7 models and the different chipsets used in the cellular modems. My iPhone 7, Model A1778, contains the Intel chipset. The phone was purchased from T-Mobile with a T-Mobile SIM. I became convinced that the Intel chipset was causing my bluetooth to lose connectivity when on a call. I decided to purchase another iPhone 7 that contained the Qualcomm chipset. I ordered and received the SIM Free version of the iPhone, Model A1660. The A1660 is compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks. More importantly, the A1660 uses the proven Qualcomm chipset. Since using the A1660, I have not experienced any more bluetooth connectivity issues with Ford SYNC.

It seems quite obvious to me that there is an issue with the Intel chipset and bluetooth connectivity. I doubt there is an isolated hardware issue with my A1778 (Intel chipset). I think it's more likely there are issues with all the intel chipsets. My A1778 is older than 14 days....outside the return for refund window. However, I'll be firmly requesting a full refund from Apple for that phone. I have no doubt that Apple is well aware of this connectivity issue. Perhaps, they are no longer using the Intel chipsets. In any case, if you are having the same issue I was, you might think about testing an A1660 to resolve your bluetooth connectivity problems. Good luck....your mileage may vary.

My issue is not with dropping calls or disconnecting from the bluetooth, but that I just can't play media. No Soundcloud, Pandora, Youtube... Nothing. I can make hands free calls no problem. This just happened last weekend and was working fine for over a year prior to that. I have the A1660 model iPhone 7, but it does update automatically I guess, because it shows I have iOS 10.3.1

So is it just the Apple software upgrade? I have to think it is...

Yes, last week I called both Apple and Ford. I had two lengthy phone calls with Apple. The representative did seem to care about the problem and wanted to help resolve it. Still no solution on Apple's part. Ford on the other hand stated to be aware of the problem but said that it was not a priority at this time. I guess if you like Apple products and are in the market for a new car buy something other than a Ford, and visa versa, if you like Ford and need a new phone, buy something other than an iPhone, at least until they work together on this issue. Very disappointing considering they are both supposed to be involved with advanced technology.

I Have a 2013 Taurus and upgrade my iPhone 5 to a 7 a month or so ago. I can't carry a call at all! No more messages received by my synch system. I am SO FRUSTRATED with this. My takeaway from this thread is that nothing can be done, correct?

I agree. Same problem with 2014 mustang. iPhone 6 worked. 7 didn't. Talked to Ford Sync Tech while sitting in my car. Went through a monotonous process that included putting your foot on the brake and opening the car door for 30 seconds. I was ultimately able to connect via bluetooth but only the telephone works at this point. The sync system does not work wit text messages at this point. Instead I receive a message on the sync display that says "Not Supported" Very frustrating!

UPDATE: Did the update to 10.3.2, cuz what the heck, I'm already not listening to media. IT WORKS NOW! Not sure if this will help anyone else, but just thought I'd post as a possible fix. Good luck all.

Update 10.3.2 didn't fix sh*t!

Like @murrdog mentioned before, I've exact the same problem with my iPhone 7 (Model A1778). It does not maintain bluetooth connectivity with SYNC when on a cellular call. It does repeatedly drop and re-establish the bluetooth connection. This still occurs on iOS 10.3.2!

HELLO APPLE!!!??? We've bought a 1000 dollar phone with no working bluetooth connectivity...!!!

How can you find out which bluetooth chipset is in your iPhone?