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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 13, 2016 10:27 AM in response to Bronco Nation

Same exact issue here since Day 1 with the iPhone 7 Plus, AT&T. My car is older (2005 Accord), but I have a newer, Pioneer bluetooth radio (FH-X720BT) that I installed in it less than a year ago. Never had a problem with the iPhone 6 but now the 7 Plus bluetooth audio skips/drops out quite frequently.


10.2 did not make it any better at all. It doesn't matter if I have the phone in a stand, in my hand, or on the passenger seat.

Dec 13, 2016 8:39 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have the iPhone 7 Plus 128GB (AT&T). Got it Day 1. The Bluetooth drops out all the time in my 2011 Prius. It happens while listening to the Podcasts app (streaming and downloaded podcasts). It happens while listening to Music (downloaded music, using Apple Music, and using iCloud Music Library).


Often it is a half to a full second of silence. Sometimes it will cut in and out 3 or 4 times in quick succession.


It seems to be worse when I have Facebook, Slack and/or Google Maps on in the background. I've taken to turning off all non-essential apps while listening as a test. I will just leave Reminders, Safari and the audio app open. It hasn't completely eliminated the problem, but it does seem a bit better.


I was about to take the phone into the Apple Store for an exchange, but the release of iOS 10.2 (and its mention of improved BT) convinced me to wait a few days. It hasn't helped, and I'm considering taking it In tomorrow. But after reading the last few pages, it doesn't seem like it will help either.

Dec 14, 2016 8:03 AM in response to michaelc

Dec. 14 Morning Test:

  • iPhone 7 Plus (iOS 10.2, AT&T, 128GB) was not restarted in the morning. I haven't restarted for at least 24 hours.
  • Played Apple Music Radio station (using Music app) through the iPhone's speaker at home. Did not use Bluetooth. No drops, everything sounded fine.
  • Got into 2011 Prius and started playing the same station through car's stock radio via Bluetooth.
  • Quit Facebook, Slack and other non-essential apps.
  • Only apps running were Music, Phone, Reminders and Evernote.
  • Music stutters once.
  • Drove 15 minutes to work with ZERO drops or stutters.
  • Within sight of my office, I accidentally tap the Podcasts app. The app turns on, and the music immediately starts to stutter.
  • I quickly quit the Podcasts app.
  • Music stutters and drops a few more times. After about 15 seconds, regular playback resumes.
  • No more stuttering for the remaining 5 minutes it takes to park and leave the car.


I will do more testing with both the Music and Podcasts apps (separately) and report back.

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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