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iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

My brand new Iphone7 seems to have bluetooth problems in my car. Everything works but the sound drops sometimes (often) when I listen to music. I didnt have this issue wiyh my 6s and IOS10. I tried to reset everything but the problem persists. The iPhone is recognized by the radio inmy Toyota, but the sound drops just as it was a radio in a tunnel.

iPhone 7, iOS 10

Posted on Sep 21, 2016 4:03 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 5, 2017 9:18 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.

707 replies

Feb 17, 2017 2:00 PM in response to prodemann

I did. It was closed after the Senior Advisor talked to the Engineers, who said that it was a known issue and they were working on an update. No given timeline. I emailed him again seeing if anything could be done regarding an exchange, no reply. Very disappointed at Apple's treatment of this issue. They're trying to ignore the issue so that they don't have to replace a bunch of defective Intel phones.

Feb 17, 2017 2:01 PM in response to prodemann

I think if you go back to several pages in this thread, many people contacted Apple Support. I called 800-AppleCare at least 2 months ago. After wasting an hour to follow them to try what I had tried like rebooting, resetting, etc, what they could do in the end was just to help me to make an appointment with Genius Bar. At Genius Bar, what they could do was just to replace my old phone with a new iPhone with the same model and with the same issue. Yes, my case is still open, and I’m tired of getting a new phone with the same issue, and spending time restoring my data.

Feb 17, 2017 4:29 PM in response to prodemann

Yes, and over the course of this I spoke with three different senior advisors in addition to the normal agents that passed me on to them. Each senior advisor said they planned to be the last person I had to speak with and assured me they would resolve the issue. One of them did send me a replacement same model phone. When it had the same problem, they just stopped answering emails. I haven't been pushing on it because it seems like they aren't authorized to actually do anything helpful for this problem.


Maybe it's time to start emailing Tim?

Feb 18, 2017 7:35 AM in response to brunowajskop

I have the same issue but my Bluetooth will not connect to any devices..... When I turn on Bluetooth it just scrolls and never lists any devices. I am beyond frustrated as paying over $600 for a device that does not work like it is supposed to. Even when I stream music from iHeart my phone cuts out this does not happen on my iPad.


I have tried resetting the iPhone & still doesn't seem to fix.

Feb 22, 2017 7:06 AM in response to mjm24

I have the exact same issue here. Mine is 2006 Lexus RX 400h and 7+. It will be OK to just start the car and connect to the 7+. But all of the sudden the 7+ will be dropped and could not receive the phone thru bluetooth. I then checked the setup in bluetooth and shown as connected. I need to restart the car then the problem resolved. But this issue will come back frequently especially when I make phone call. Does anyone has solution on this?

Feb 22, 2017 3:02 PM in response to hcl618

I was on a road trip last weekend (where the problem seems worst) and shutting off LTE did seem to do the trick. Except depending on the local network that can be nearly the same as shutting off data.


Alternately several people have reported success replacing their non-CDMA model (AT&T & T-Mobile versions with Intel chip) with the universal model (Sprint & Verizon & sim-free versions with Qualcomm chip) if you live somewhere both are available. However almost no one has gotten Apple to do that for them so it's on your own dime.

Mar 3, 2017 3:16 PM in response to CyberEnt

I Have a 2016 Prius and every time I turn the car off I have to reset my bluetooth (turn by off/on) because otherwise the audio goes in and out continuousl, it started out doing it very spartically then in the past month and half was doing it everything I restarted the car, then about a week ago once I connected my phone it would not automatically recognize my music. I would have to open iTunes on the phone and select my music before it would play, but it wouldn't not display the what was playing on the car display. Today toyota changed out my radio, seems to connect properly now, but messaging is still a 20/80 success/ fails. Email has never worked. Toyota tech's connected their android and works like a charm. One tech with an iPhone as well said it's a hit miss with his and that it has to do with Apple and the way they it releases mac address, etc. The same type issue that we have experienced Apple products in an enterprise enviornment, which can make it hard for our users to pass security policies, firewalls, etc... Apple products are NOT enterprise friendly which really them more of a consumer product than a business use device. They have gotten better, but still quirky. Also the comment about cars using old BT technology/protocol, is really like saying it's Microsoft fault that Apple has problems with Outlook, never mind the fact that every other computer manufacturer doesn't have the issues that mac's seem to suffer. Here's a novel idea, why doesn't Apple make their devices play well with others. Make their BT backwards compatible for one example and stop acting like a narcissistic spoiled brat child. Do get me wrong, they make some great stuff and I own several of their products as well as others. In my field I see and deal with a lot of systems and issues and work with support with all of them and what I have found is all of their poop stinks, when they poop, but Apple is the worst at admitting it. Android works great with my car, so I know Apple can make it work great as well, but they won't..... peace, love, hugs and kisses

Mar 8, 2017 12:43 AM in response to mullibar

Similar issue but only during calls using SYnc on my lincoln 2016 MKX


User uploaded file BigNate64
User uploaded file Level 1

Q:Calls using iPhone 7 and ford sync Bluetooth connect

I am having a constant problem with iPhone 7 T-Mobile during phone calls only. Has anyone else experienced this problem where the Bluetooth connection is lost and r

I am having a constant problem with iPhone 7 T-Mobile during phone calls only. Has anyone else experienced this problem where the Bluetooth connection is lost and re-pairs over and over ? It happens only during a call, never whilst listening to audio music. It doesn't matter whether cord is connected or Bluetooth, although that is probably bc calls are always Bluetooth anyway. It occurs in LTE or 4G mode the same. Whilst driving my lincoln 2016 MKX, a call can switch to phone and back to sync several times in a two minute call sometimes as many as 4 or 5 times. I believe it's random or could be a change when I switch between towers. I am in an urban area. Have asked Apple, Lincoln, and T-Mobile, and nobody claims to know the issue.


Mar 21, 2017 3:00 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have the same issue in 2013 Acura TSX. It's so annoying.

This issue is only with my car and iphone 7 plus. However other bluetooth devices like fitbit, BOSE etc. works perfectly with my Iphone 7 plus.


I already did network setting reset and reconnecting/removing bluetooth device in car. Nothing worked well.


Right now i am turning off "LTE" in Cellular settings while i am in the car driving. That is working perfectly. But it's a pain every time to disable and reenable LTE after driving the car.


And also who would want to use slower 4G when LTE is available in abundance here in cali.? Still waiting for the fix from Apple.

Mar 22, 2017 10:08 PM in response to pricecake

Pricecake,

Thank you for sending the description to the same issue. I don't know if you read my issue with Lincoln Sync and Iphone7. It is the same problem. Unfortunately for me, when I turn calling on LTE off, it helped briefly when I was outside of town. Once I came back to my area of Houston, it kept occurring on 4G.

Like you stated, it is only with calls and it's only occurring with the Bluetooth sync with the car. So I am constantly having to switch connection to my expensive Bluetooth earpiece that I had to purchase to drive hands free.

My only solution at this point is to go back to my iPhone 6 and sell my 7.

This also occurs with both of my daughter's iPhone 7plus models. They both drive lincolns as well, which really concerns me. They are teens and I hate to think they are driving with one hand around town when on the phone.

Mar 23, 2017 10:36 AM in response to brunowajskop

Apple Discussions stopped sending me emails when new posts are made, so I've been away... Doesn't seem like much has changed.


I will add that I had to drive a Hyundai Sonata rental car recently. It had to have been the most recent model year or the one before. I connected my iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T) and it worked flawlessly for two days. No stutters or drops.


I get my 2011 Prius back and the audio immediately starts stuttering again. Sigh.

Mar 25, 2017 5:37 AM in response to michaelc

I have to say i am so dissapointed in both ATT and Apple's refussal to do anything about this whole issue. I just got a new 7plus and i drive a Subaru outback and have the same problem. I have removed the phone and repaired it and it doesn't do anything. I have always thought Apple was a company that stood behind it's products but i am begining to thing they are acting like all the rest. After being a devoted Apple customer since 1984 and a ATT customer since 1992 that maybe it is time to make a change. Samsung seems to be very popular now.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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