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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

Sep 27, 2016 3:57 PM in response to brunowajskop

I placed a call to the Lexus Technology Specialist for my local dealership and discussed the issue with him and how I troubleshooted it down to being specifically a Iphone 7/7+ issue when connected VIA bluetooth to the vehicle.


He acknowledged that although I was the first one to report the issue that he is aware of, they have been expecting this issue because Lexus vehicles, even up to 2016 are using the old bluetooth protocol and the iphone 7 is only using the new protocol. He stated he will start researching the issue, but updating the bluetooth protocol in the vehicle can not be done with a software update. It will require a hardware update which he suspects that Lexus will not do under warranty.


I will update this post when I get more info from him.

Sep 28, 2016 7:14 AM in response to mrspinky

Same here, 2011 Acura MDX, Pandora and Downcast both drop out regularly (have not tried others). Sometimes it reconnects as a speaker (no wireless signal displayed and can't accept/place calls) and other times it connects regularly. I have tried turning off Handoff and change the bluetooth setting from "automatic" to "headset" in the accessibility settings but nothing has helped. I had a iPhone 6s Plus on iOS10 with no issues but the iPhone 7 Plus is having this issue.

Sep 28, 2016 7:24 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have this problem too, 2012 Acura MDX. I made a call to the apple rep today and she actually told me this was the first time she had heard of this issue, after seeing this thread... obviously a huge lie. This issue needs to be resolved by apple ASAP before it festers into a iphone6 bending gate issue. I am very shocked at the fact that apple development engineers failed to realize the BT protocol is different from their advanced technology and most of their product users have cars fitted with the older technology and that they did not make it compatible. Shame on you apple!

Sep 29, 2016 3:48 PM in response to mrspinky

I concur that the connection drops when your getting notifications, emails, etc or anything using cellular data... This morning when I started up my car I was still in the garage connected to WIFI from my house and music started streaming through bluetooth from itunes. As soon as pulled away from the house and the phone switched from WIFI to cellular data the audio started cutting out...

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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