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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

Dec 5, 2016 6:17 PM in response to brunowajskop

What I would like answered that I have not seen yet online is that I have the new iphone7 and my mercedes as well as my toyota do not even come up to be recognized on the phone so how is anyone even getting connected? Apple needs to fix this are people at apple not aware of this problem? I will be going back to galaxy just so that I can connect to my car because that is ridiculous.

Dec 5, 2016 11:39 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have this problem on 2013 Subaru Forester and iPhone 7 (iOS 10.1.1). The entertainment system is the Harmon-Kardon branded Fujitsu-ten unit. Bluetooth would drop periodically or change "speeds" on playback so audio would speed up or slow down like a warped vinyl record. This problem for me, as frustrating as it is, seems to last about 10 minutes. After that, it appears to synch properly and the issue disappears until the next time I start the car.


As was mentioned by others, I suspect the Bluetooth protocol on the Subaru is outdated but cannot be updated short of buying a new stereo or car.


Incidentally, I also had this problem iPhone 6 (iOS 9 and 10).

Dec 6, 2016 12:07 PM in response to brunowajskop

I'm ready to give up.


Apple's techs won't respond to me via email anymore, there has been no resolution since I opened a support case 77 days ago, and it seems like the root cause of this problem is being obfuscated from the public. This thread was deleted for days until a few posts on Reddit and MacRumors brought up that it was missing; yesterday it magically showed up again?


There are consumer protection laws which apply to electronics that require defects to be remedied in a timely manner. This is unreal.

Dec 6, 2016 2:09 PM in response to cirkuit

I think people are talking about two different issues here. Some are having problems connecting to their car. That is a separate issue from the audio cutting out that others are discussing. From what I've observed, the audio cutout issue seems to be more prevalent for users with the Intel modem (AT&T and T-Mobile). However, I don't think I've seen anyone complain about audio cutouts on the T-Mobile version. Most posts I've seen are from users with the AT&T model who are experiencing the cutout issue.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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