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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

Nov 7, 2016 12:17 AM in response to darren.s

I have a similar problem in a 2011 Ford expedition with the latest system I am map update 9.0x and the iPhone 7 Plus with iOS 10.1.1. The phone is able to connect via Bluetooth to the navigation system but the moment that any media audio is attempted to be streamed via Bluetooth, the system instantly disconnects. We have duplicated the issue with my spouse's iPhone 7 Plus. We have troubleshooted the issue with Ford sync tech-support and they couldn't figure it out. This system worked with our prior iPhones-a 5s running iOS 10.1 and a 6+ running iOS 10.1.1, with no issues.

iPhone 7 running iOS 10 point anything have major Bluetooth compatibility issues across car manufactures apparently. Please note that this appears specifically related to media streaming. Phone use including downloading the phonebook and contact list into Ford sync with navigation and voice command have no issues, which tells me that the connection will transfer data,

Nov 7, 2016 4:18 PM in response to brunowajskop

Some additional notes that set off my calls for support today... Over the weekend I took a drive with my GF that was about 45 mins in each direction. We both have iphone 7+ but i'm on AT&T and she is on Verizon. She was running 10.1 public release, and me with beta 10.2.1. On the first leg of the trip my phone was paired with the Lexus. I tried making 2 calls using bluetooth and the audio would cut on an off as the LTE signal got stronger in different areas of the interstate. Bluetooth audio same thing. On the return trip we paired her phone and she made 2 calls and we streamed itunes music all the way back without it disconnecting once.


This again reinforces others who pointed out that this is a hardware flaw. My GF's iphone 7+ on Verizon has LTE but the phone itself is using the Quailcom modem. I'm keeping my Genius appointment and I'm going to try and get my phone swapped out for an unlocked version with the Quailcom modem and see if that fixes the issue. I will post next update Thursday when I waste another 2 hours of my time on this issue....

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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