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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 7, 2016 8:16 AM in response to crhop

I have talked with people that are exchanging their new phones before the 14 day period is over. Some joke that they will keep doing this until a patch is release. I just don't have the time so I am using my old trusted 6s. I am rethinking this whole "be in the front of the line" concept. It seems like anytime I get a new phone soon after it comes out I have more problems than it is worth. It is a true bummer. It is one thing to come out with the same phone every 3 years, but to have problems such as these just makes me wonder. I guess Apple's employees don't drive cars or use the new phones before they are released. Bummed again.

Oct 7, 2016 1:26 PM in response to poughquag_K

IT is a bummer that everyone is having issues. I have noticed that if I start playing music after I have been looking at songs that I don't have on one of my personal playlists the Bluetooth gets confused. But if I reconnect and start from my own music all is good. So there might be a component of 10 that messes with the operations. Apple Music has always been kind of touchy so I would guess that there is something in Apple Music that is screwy too. However, with the 7 there is something with the hardware would wouldn't allow me to connect at all. Or maybe it was a hardware software combo. Who knows.

Oct 9, 2016 8:10 AM in response to brunowajskop

Same issue, iPhone 7 plus, ATT


Problems with 2014 Ford Fusion with Sync 2. I have 0 problems with iPhone 6 plus and iPhone 6s plus. My iPhone 7 disconnects randomly and without action. I went to apple for hardware evaluation, they replaced the phone and the replacement still has the issue. This is definitely a bug that needs to be fixed ASAP. I am an uber driver part time and heavily rely on bluetooth connectivity as well as data, so airplane mode would not work for me.

Oct 9, 2016 8:32 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have made several phone calls to apple tech support regarding this issue and have escalated matters to their advisor level personnel. Unfortunately they are not able to provide me with a satisfactory response except the typical "wipe your phone, wipe your car's BT connection, update firmware, and etc," the representatives did acknowledge the fact that they get about 5% of daily call volume complaining of this issue. Seeing how the phones are back ordered, theoretically - i hope - this will become a larger issue when more customers receive their products.


The only useful suggestion or possible solution is that they suggested that the users voice our displeasure on http://www.apple.com/feedback because the service advisors are like the people in blue at the stores, there to basically offer basic suggestions but never real solutions. So I urge those that have posted on this thread to take a min of your time and leave a negative feedback regarding this product on the website link so our voices and grievances can be directed towards the correct source, theoretically.


I mentioned Apple has not been the same after Jobs passed and that Tim Cooks lacks the innovative qualities and the strict quality management leadership style of Jobs and thats why Apple is going down the toilet... it was not appreciated kindly by customer service, another area that needs desperate revamping IMHO. Hope we can raise enough awareness to get this problem fixed all!

Oct 9, 2016 10:30 PM in response to soiidxsnake

I prefer Cook over Jobs, actually. If Jobs was still CEO, we probably wouldn't have 5.5" screens, NFC, an Apple TV with open app store, iPad mini, or the current and fast GUI. Jobs kind of put a stop to Apple implementing new ideas or using new technology. He also limited the amount of products available. And was not a nice person for Apple software designers to work for. Thankfully, that is over now, and Apple is putting the latest and greatest in all of their devices... even offering multiple models of devices in different categories.


Unfortunately, the iPhone 7 was pushed out to meet a target release date, despite having entirely new internals to include the use of new LTE bands and upgraded bluetooth.


The temporary fix (as posted on page 3), is to turn off LTE from settings->cellular->cellular data options->Enable LTE. Disabling a feature in order to fix a bug is not really a long-term solution, but hopefully Apple will patch this someday in the future. At least you can use cellular data and your car stereo.


The other option, which would work immediately and not require disabling any features, is to take the iPhone 7 back to Apple in order to exchange for a 6S.

Oct 10, 2016 11:14 AM in response to brunowajskop

I am having the same issues with my 2013 Kia Optima. Sometimes bluetooth pairs fine, and other times I'll turn the car on and it will say "Pairing Failed", and then I have to delete and re-add the phone in my car to get it to work again. This has become quite the hassle because the "pairing failed" announcement happens on a DAILY basis. There will be other times where it pairs successfully, and then it will just randomly drop connection. So annoying!


I spoke with an Apple senior advisor and they said that I'll need to talk with Kia about getting my bluetooth system updated, but I guarantee there won't be anything they'll be able to do, since I wouldn't have software updates for bluetooth (I only have the base model), and I doubt there is any type of firmware update they can do either.

Oct 10, 2016 6:29 PM in response to brunowajskop

I just got the iphone 7 and I am not able to bluetooth it in my car. I have a 2014 Toyota corolla S.


If i would know that the iphone 7 was not able to get bluetooth I would of stayed with my iphone 5s. I am very upset and bummed that I can not bluetooth my phone with my vehicle.... Will their a fix to this anytime soon.... ???


Please advise.

Oct 10, 2016 6:55 PM in response to ninafresa_4vida

www.apple.com/feedback according to their advisor manager, this is the only way to get attention to this common problem. I am starting to think they created these forums/threads as a place for people to vent and make believe that our voices are being heard... the link is supposedly the only place where our concerns are theoretically reviewed by the apple overlords

Oct 10, 2016 7:32 PM in response to soiidxsnake

I just submitted feedback for my iPhone 7 Plus running 10.0.2 and Ford SYNC2 - V3.8 (latest version)... Hopefully if we all submit feedback for the iPhone 7/7 Plus for this problem it will get their attention. I included a link to this topic as well... I realize it's affecting multiple Bluetooth endpoints; mine is specifically for my scenario with Ford...


Likely useful Info to include:

  • iPhone Model & Carrier...

    iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and Carrier AT&T, Verizon, etc..

  • iOS version...

    They only listed up to 10.0.1, not 10.0.2; so specify version or beta...

  • Stereo Manufacturer...

    Ford, Sony, Alpine, etc...

  • Stero Model...

    MyFordTouch/Sync2, etc...

  • Stereo Firmware...

    If available, for example, the latest Sync 2 for the F-150/Explorer is v3.8 according to Ford's website.

  • Symptoms (briefly state what is described in this topic)...

    After connecting via for 10-20 minutes music/streaming/controls stop working. Only way to restore service is to disable from the iPhone 7's end and reconnect. Disconnecting from the stereo side doesn't seem to work.

  • Steps to reproduce...
    • iPhone 7 connected to Stereo for 10-20 minutes stops working.
    • Doesn't affect iPhone 6/iPhone 6s in the same environment.


I also included that its happening to a coworker of mine with the same stereo/firmware and we have tested our iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6S Plus - the problem is only present when connected via Bluetooth from the iPhone 7 (not 6/6S) in our testing all running 10.0.2...


Basically, don't just submit saying "My Bluetooth doesn't work." Be as descriptive as possible within the character limits.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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