You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

💡 Did you know?

⏺ If you can't accept iCloud Terms and Conditions... Learn more >

⏺ If you don't see your iCloud notes in the Notes app... Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

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

Reply
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 28, 2016 1:02 AM in response to Bronco Nation

I can't tell you 100% sure that the problem is not with my Lexus , or even with iOS 10. I have now paired both my girlfriends verizon iPhone 7+ and my daughters 7 on sprint to Lexus and I have no issues with Bluetooth skipping. There is only one difference it both of their phones. My at&t phones use a cheaper intel modem. The sprint and Verizon use the much better quailcom modem. The quailcom modems were also in al previous iPhones including 6+ which I also never had a problem with. Apple cheaped it .. see this article: https://www.google.com/amp/www.macworld.com/article/3133612/apple-phone/iphone-7 -cellular-performance-test-qualcomms-modem-is-better-than-intels.amp.html?client =safari


They only fix is to get a new unlocked iPhone 7 with the quailcom modem.

Nov 28, 2016 11:50 AM in response to CyberEnt

Interesting discovery... I am also having this issue and here's what Apple said today:


I understand, While we do know that its an issue and are currently working with At&t to create a resolution, I would like to give you the opportunity to leave feedback, We rely on reports from diligent customers like you to make our products better, thats why they go straight to the engineering team,Would it be OK with you if I was to send you that link?

Dec 5, 2016 2:20 PM in response to CyberEnt

Yep. Both of my posts from last week were deleted for talking about a publicly available secret OS. One of mine didn't even use the secret word. So apparently there's an actual person monitoring these forums.


On the plus side, after testing about 10 hours of streaming in my car in the past week, the stuttering/pausing issue seems to be resolved.

AT&T iPhone 7+ 128GB Black, 2014 Ford Escape Sync MFT v3.8

Dec 5, 2016 2:53 PM in response to KrispE

Alright I'm trying to work through this with Apple Support. Here's what I got so far:


Auto - Jeep Wrangler 2015 with stock stereo: iPhone 7 plus jet black 256GB AT&T.


Had no issues with iPhone 6. iPad works perfectly fine on it with iOS 10.


Happens through the following apps but is not limited to: Spotify, iTunes, podcasts, navigational apps. (haven't heard it through a phone call yet).


Skips and stutters when LTE is enabled, still skips a tiny bit in 4G but barely noticeable, no skips in airplane mode although it's a hassle to turn on and off with the bluetooth so this is not the solution.


Seems to get worse as the drive goes on and takes about 5-10 minutes to kick in.


I am running OS 10.1.1 (and haven't tried anything else).


I have recorded it here if that helps anyone: although it's on my iPad, I recorded a song, and then turned LTE off then back on. https://youtu.be/8VW_tJDVui0 (sorry it's mostly black but i do try and call out when the major ones are happening. For those without speakers you can actually see the drops below in the attached photo.(sorry it's upside down and i'm too lazy to change it cause you get the idea, where the dark blue spikes is a drop and the middle section is when I had LTE turned off)


User uploaded file

Dec 5, 2016 3:53 PM in response to mrzmaster

Not trying to be unpleasant. I've received a warning from Apple and have had my posts deleted as well. Tons of posts have been deleted so just don't mention that particular software by number, abbreviation or whatever. The problem is not fixed for me. I am running the latest and greatest version available. Apple needs to work with the the carriers to get this fixed ASAP. Non working Bluetooth audio should give me grounds to return my phone even tho 14 days have passed since purchase.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.