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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 23, 2016 9:37 PM in response to TGDMod

It was recommended that I get a new SIM card from AT&T. I did that today and it did not resolve. Folks at AT&T said it wouldn't. They told me they get 2 to 3 people in everyday with the same issue. The guy that helped me said he has tried all the steps I have and still no luck with is iPhone 7 Plus. Girl standing next him said it fixed things for her, but she had an iPhone 7. The saga continues.

Dec 27, 2016 8:30 AM in response to brunowajskop

I can say I have found a solution to my Bluetooth Audio Stuttering issues. I switched from AT&T to Verizon on Christmas Eve. In driving on two separate occasions for more than 30 minutes, I have not had one stutter via the Audio.

I now have a Jet Black iPhone 7 Plus. I am calling Apple Customer Relations today to ask for a full refund of my AT&T Matte Black iPhone 7 Plus.


My conclusion is this is either an issue with the Intel Based Cellular Radio or an issue with AT&T as I have been able to rule out the iOS as the issue. I am still in shock that this has not gotten more play from the Blogosphere. Best of luck to all of you with this issue. I know that this has been an ordeal for me and I am glad at this point it is over.

Dec 27, 2016 8:47 AM in response to brunowajskop

I am about to find out if a different iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T, 128GB) will change my audio stuttering issues. My phone (received on launch day) has a bum GPS. I have scheduled a Genius Bar appointment tomorrow afternoon, and am expecting a device swap.


I don't have high hopes, considering it will likely be a refurb phone of the same vintage. And it will still be AT&T. I'll report back either way.

Dec 27, 2016 9:44 AM in response to Bronco Nation

So i got an ATT iphone 6 16gb from a friend to test out, on the latest ios 10.2


I paired it with my car 2010 Infiniti G37 and audio was working fine without any stuttering, the only thing was the music information was hit or miss. Changing songs from different albums worked fine with no stuttering at all. If putting it in airplane mode with bluetooth on the music/song information shows up, but when turning off airplane mode its a hit or miss.


Was not able to test handsfree calling didnt have a sim to use and was in a parking garage so signal wouldnt have been great.

Dec 27, 2016 12:26 PM in response to brunowajskop

I have a 2014 Subaru Outback. In the past I used an iPhone 5s connected via bluetooth to the car audio system. It worked fine.

I recently upgraded to an iPhone 7 plus. It does not function properly over bluetooth. After just about exactly seven minutes it begins to skip so badly it needs to be turned off. This occurs with iTunes, Pandora and iTunes U.

Seems, from internet responses, that this is a common occurrence with the iPhone 7.

I currently can’t use the phone for audio connection, this due to the Outback being unable to stream a USB connection for longer than 15-20 minutes without shutting down due to overheating. An issue Subaru is aware of.

Dec 27, 2016 1:19 PM in response to slartibartphast

I placed a call to the Lexus Technology Specialist for my local dealership and discussed the issue with him and how I troubleshooted it down to being specifically a Iphone 7/7+ issue when connected VIA bluetooth to the vehicle.


He acknowledged that although I was the first one to report the issue that he is aware of, they have been expecting this issue because Lexus vehicles, even up to 2016 are using the old bluetooth protocol and the iphone 7 is only using the new protocol. He stated he will start researching the issue, but updating the bluetooth protocol in the vehicle can not be done with a software update. It will require a hardware update which he suspects that Lexus will not do under warranty.

Try substituting the name of the device you have and you have your answer

iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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