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User profile for user: RobbStumpf
RobbStumpf Author
User level: Level 1
18 points

Bluetooth Streaming Audio Problems

Hardware:

- iPhone 7 Plus

- iOS version: 10


My wife was lucky enough to get her 7 Plus on launch, unlike thousands of others (myself included). But when she is trying to stream music in her car (2011 Toyota Venza), it seems to be problematic. Audio will randomly cut out (directions, music, SIRI, etc) and the radio will change from listing the song name to "Streaming Audio" for a while.


This was also confirmed to happen on a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta and a 2013 Ford Focus. Also tested iPhone 6S Plus on iOS 9.3.5 and an iPhone 6S Plus on iOS 10 - both have zero issues on any vehicle. It appears to be localized to the 7 Plus.


Some of the original Air Pod testers reported this to be a problem, yet it doesn't appear to have been address. Kind of a funny move to make, considering it's a core usability concern of the new iPhones without a 3.5mm jack. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for updating standards, but compromising the functionality of the device by shipping it with this bug is a real killer.


Seems like we've got some issues with streaming audio via Bluetooth. The BT versioning from the 6S to the 7 is the same (v4.2), it's unlikely that there is any incompatibility between the tested hardware. There have also been a few reports on Reddit about this now. Anyone else having problems?

iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 10

Posted on Sep 17, 2016 1:59 PM

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User profile for user: RobbStumpf
RobbStumpf Author
User level: Level 1
18 points

Posted on Jan 5, 2017 9:20 AM

I provided this to the techs weeks ago, but it seems like there was no headway. So here are the results of my trials for everyone to read:


I work in an environment where I have access to soundproof rooms. The walls are steel with padding and are about 6" thick (solid). These are "dead spots" for wireless in my building, which I surveyed and had to plan around because of the walls. I also work with deploying a lot of iOS devices, so most of my colleagues have an iPhone.


Testing environment:

I tested the area with an OptiView XG using AirMagnet Spectrum XT software. This device and software is used to measure the amount of Radio Frequency (RF) radiation in a given area to troubleshoot issues with wireless, and to help design wireless networks for large corporations. This helped me to ensure that there were no stray 2.4GHz interferers while testing, meaning that the only devices emitting 2.4GHz band RF were the "Devices" listed below (Beats Pill, Plantronics Backbeats, Braven BRV-1) and the phones.


Additionally, I tested the cars listed below in several environments with and without interferers nearby. These were less controlled, however mirrored the exact same results.


Stuttering/Skipping:

To show an example of the skipping sound that I am referring to, please take a look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGHFDRVA958


Bluetooth devices tested:

  • Cars: 2013 Ford Focus, 2011 Toyota Venza, 2007 BMW 335i, 2006 VW Jetta
  • Devices: Beats Pill, Plantronics Backbeats, Braven BRV-1


iPhones tested:

  • iPhone 6s - No problems
  • iPhone 6s Plus - No problems
  • iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T, A1784) - Stuttering
  • iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T, A1784) - Stuttering
  • iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T, A1784) - Stuttering
  • iPhone 7 Plus (T-Mobile, A1784) - Stuttering
  • iPhone 7 Plus (Sprint, A1661) - No problems
  • iPhone 7 (Verizon, A1660) - No problems
  • iPhone 7 Plus (Verizon, A1661) - No problems
  • iPhone 7 Plus (Verizon, A1661) - No problems
  • There were two other GSM iPhone 7 Pluses that I trialed, but I don't have the model numbers in front of me to list to provide exact details. Both had issues.


As you can see, the issues are localized to the GSM models using the new Intel modems. This further solidifies the belief that there is an existing hardware issue and not a problem with software, interference, or other manufacturer's devices. I'm not sure what else I can do to troubleshoot with the Apple reps, but after spending upwards of $5000 with Apple in 2016, I can't help but to feel neglected.

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User profile for user: briq4
briq4
User level: Level 1
4 points

Dec 16, 2016 1:48 PM in response to RobbStumpf

Yep still the same. Only now when I use a pair of JBL Bluetooth headphones I hear static when LTE is on. Before I only had the problem in the car. It's very discouraging to have a thousand dollar phone that I have to keep LTE turned off in order to use Bluetooth. And they took away the headphone jack basically forcing Bluetooth because that adapter is ridiculously cheap. Not a happy Apple camper here.

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Bluetooth Streaming Audio Problems

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