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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 22, 2016 4:43 PM in response to King of Pumkins

Didn't work! As soon as my LTE bars increased I was frozen. I just need to stop trying and accept that I have no Bluetooth. Not sure what I was thinking.


On second iPhone 7 -- got a call regarding a + being available so I thought I would give it one more chance even though I was having zero issues with the 6s. I guess I will have a decision to make if the next update doesn't fix the issues. I could fire my 6s back up and return the Plus I have. I really dont like the camera on the 6s Plus in low light. I guess I could consider the Pixel. Just wish Apple would come forward and address the issue. Disappointed to say the least.

Oct 23, 2016 11:39 AM in response to technogogo

EEver since I DFU'd back to 10.0.3 three day in all seems to be working well. I only had the problems when running 10.1 Beats 1 and 2. Beta 3 seemed to work OK. Beta 4 and 5 went back to problems. I called level 2 tech and they said straight up there was a Bluetooth bug. I asked why they changed it from beats 3 no answer. As for LTE I get 5 bars so I don't think it's a combo of both. I still sit at 10.0.3 working well. It seems to me with all the autos out there today relying on a solid connection they would have got it right the first thing. This new W1 chip I believe is to eliminate Bluetooth. So tell me what are the thousands of other people and cars going to do if it's not backward comparable. I also filed two Feedback reports one on hardware one on connectivity. My opinion is this should be a priority.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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