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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 30, 2016 10:57 AM in response to brooksfromeasley

I was told by an Apple Senior Advisor that this is a Ford issue:


Update:


I was directed to go to owner.ford.com . Upon filling in the information that’s provided, it is not showing that the make and model of your car is fully compatible with the iPhone 7. It shows iPhone 6s with ios 9.X.X is the latest version that should work 100%. Until the manufacturer because fully compatible with your device you will continue to experience glitches.


That's some pretty disappointing buck passing.

Sep 30, 2016 11:23 AM in response to yoshjosh

Lol at "senior advisor". Unless you speak with Tim Cook himself, everyone is equivalent to the blue shirt guys at the shop. They just like to get everyone out of their hair as soon as possible and blame it on the manufacturer. I agree with Cessna_172 when he said it lies squarely on the OS and negotiation of Cell/Bluetooth. I have updated every firmware known to man that BMW has released. Plus it worked fine with my 6S. Plus Apple has publicly acknowledged that they are "aware" of the issue and are working on a fix. I just want my music to work properly again.

Oct 3, 2016 6:04 PM in response to brunowajskop

Same problem here with Ford Touch/Sync 2... My coworker and I both have this issue (F150 and Explorer) both with MFT Sync 2 and iPhone 7 Plus... Music just randomly stops playing, have to turn off Bluetooth on the phone and turn it back on for it to reconnect and start playing.


I experience the problem after 5-15 minutes of music playback... Extremely annoying.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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