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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
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:
iPhones tested:
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.
Did anyone see the news that Apple's AirPods got delayed?
I think that's very telling that there's something up in general with Bluetooth on the iPhone 7/7 Plus. Maybe when the AirPods drop, we will see a major Bluetooth fix. Then again, I'm just speculating. 🙂
Except replacing our cars doesn't fix the issue either. This isn't a versioning issue; the same standard exists between the 6s and 7. The problem is with the phone.
Ugh. 9 years of brand loyalty down the drain.
Or because the problem is hardware related with the 7 and they can't find a fix without a major recall.
/TinFoilHat
If the issue can be fixed by turning off LTE, a software solution is clearly possible. Just have the software temporarily disable the offending frequency bands or hardware components when the phone is connected to a BT interface with reported issues. The BT manufacturer can be resolved from the MAC address. Apple is choosing not to exploit such a method.
Correct, however let's say there is only one tower that your phone is reaching. This tower only broadcasts LTE on band 4 (1700MHz). If your phone drops that LTE and can't hit any 4G radios, it's now useless.
These channels are staggered, similar to enterprise wireless, to avoid two of the same bands from overlapping that much. Otherwise, you have issues of frequency hopping where your phone isn't sure which tower to connect to at similar power levels.
Shutting off LTE is not a good solution. I for one can not make a call from inside of my house unless I'm connected to LTE. So when I get in my car I have to switch LTE off and then when I get home I have to remember to switch LTE back on. It's a pain in the neck and not something I should have to do on a $1000 phone. Further we pay extra to use LTE service...
It looks like 10.2 was just released. One of the release notes states:
"Improves Bluetooth performance and connectivity with 3rd party accessories"
Fingers crossed!!
Sadly still disconnects for me.
I wouldn't think it's hardware but now I'm having doubts.
So 10.2 doesn't resolve the issue for me. I was hoping for a carrier update, but that didn't come. I am wondering of those with the issue if you are using some sort of car mount with you phone?
I have mine in a plastic phone holder near my right knee (Audi Q7). It is powered by a dedicated USB charger under the dash.
When I take mine out of the holder I have no problems. Put in the holder issues arise. Guess it means I'm holding it wrong.
When you take it out of the holder, are you holding it in your hand? It may not be that the holder is causing the problem but rather having your hand around it is solving the problem?
I heard that the 10.2 update came with a carrier update for Verizon, but not AT&T. 😟
Can anyone who was having the issue with a Verizon phone prior to the 10.2 update confirm if it's now resolved?
Sadly 10.2 didn't fix the stuttering issue at all for me. I'm beginning to think this will never get fixed and we will have to live with it or get a new phone. I wish Apple would at least make a statement, but we all know they rarely admit fault to anything.
Yes I hold it in my hand while I drive. No, I don't hold it in my hand! I lay the phone on the seat in my car and for over 30 minutes no skips. This has gone on for days. Then if I put it back in the Car Mount and the skips return. I notices that anything metal remotely close to the phone causes interference. I did not have this issue with any phone prior to the iPhone 7 plus.
iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car
