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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

Oct 5, 2016 10:45 AM in response to 0gravity0

Interesting how the student has become the teacher with Apple...and that's not a good thing when the teacher is (older) Microsoft. I remember when an operating issue would come up and you would call MS and they would blame everything else except their product. "Hmmm...you get the blue screen of death? What kind of cat do you have in your house?"


Force everyone to move to Bluetooth (not a terrible idea as most of my headphones and connections are BT) but have that be susceptible to issues? Not a good idea

Oct 5, 2016 1:00 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have had this issue with my 2011 Ford Escape. It happens with downloaded music/podcasts so not a streaming issue. Does not happen when the phone is connected via USB, only Bluetooth. Don't have this issue connecting to other Bluetooth speakers, just Ford Sync. I have had this car thru about 4 iPhones now and this is the first time I have had this issue. Submitted a bug report to Apple.

Oct 5, 2016 11:13 PM in response to bobfromwoodbridge

I Have found a solution that might not be acceptable to everyone, but I am happy with it and have perfect bluetooth streaming on my Ford Sync stereo system. Here it is:

go to cellular data options and turn off LTE.


I Am also on 10.1 beta 2, but I don't know if that played any part in this working... other than that beta 2 bluetooth does not ever disconnect the blutooth connection. It still occasionally stutters though if LTE is enabled. LTE turned off = perfect bt in my car. I am happy with this for now.


this will probably work for other stereo systems as well.

Oct 6, 2016 8:30 AM in response to brunowajskop

Same here in a 2016 Lexus CT200h and GX470


Plays for a minute or so then cuts out, and then drops completely until voice prompt brings it back for something like Waze.


Annoying, and never had the issue with the iPhone 6Plus, just now with the 7 Plus.


Come on Apple...where is your quality you used to have we could rely on? Seems it is dropping, and quickly.

Oct 6, 2016 4:02 PM in response to brunowajskop

It is the phone. My AT&T 7 wouldn't stay connected to the audio Bluetooth in my car. If I disabled this feature then I could use Siri etc. I returned the 7 yesterday and am back using my 6s. Works fine even with iOS 10.


I had trouble getting Apple to help. Got a case number and never heard back. Not a great experience and will probably not get AppleCare in the future after several bad experiences.

Oct 6, 2016 11:17 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have this same issue. It is driving my crazy. BMW iDrive 2015. My wife's iPhone SE works perfectly as did my iPhone 6 running iOS 10 before I got the iPhone 7. I opened a case with Apple support and they suggested trying the iPhone SE. When I went back to them to say that worked they just said to talk to the other manufacturer. Wouldn't even acknowledge the amount of talk on the internet from lots of other people with the same issue. Very customer unfriendly and non-Apple attitude!

Oct 7, 2016 5:56 AM in response to technogogo

Same here. So frustrated I just returned the 7 before the 14 day period as I didn't want to get stuck with it. I have had one too many poor experiencea with AppleCare to wait and trust them. One thing I have learned is AppleCare isn't worth it for me.


I am back using my 6s and have had zero issues; even with iOS 10. Something seems seriously wrong with the 7 and I didn't want to trust a "patch" would fix it. I have AT&T and a BMW.


Sorry about your experience. I too was looking forward to the 7 and have been more than disappointed in Apple with product performance and its support system.


PS The autocorrect function of this forum makes me think Apple is just messing with me now.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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