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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 29, 2016 9:09 AM in response to michaelc

One thing I would also like to point out is that though the GSM Model A1784 is indeed an unlocked phone, it will not work on CDMA networks of Verizon or Sprint, but Model A1661 will work on all carriers in the US. It is interesting the Genius Bar employee still thinks it is the car. I can tell you that it is not the car. My reasons are simple.

  • When turning off LTE Data on my AT&T iPhone 7 plus Bluetooth works perfectly.
  • I switched to Verizon this past weekend and Bluetooth with that phone (Model #A1661) is working perfectly in my car.

  • I really wished Apple would admit that it is not the car, but the new Intel Cellular Radios.

    Dec 29, 2016 10:14 AM in response to brunowajskop

    I've a similar issue with my iPhone 7, but i don't be sure if it's the same...


    While I'm driving with Carplay and Music or Podcast, around 10 or 15 minutes I get no sound from any speaker.

    I've own a 2016 Skoda Octavia RS, and before iPhone 7 I had no issues with it.


    What I didn't read here, is a tip that I've found (at least in my case). When I get no sound, I call Siri (dedicated wheel button), then I ask for wheater or simple nothing. After Siri respond me or I cancel Siri, I get sound back again.


    This same issue is happening to me with new airpods, and the workaround is the same, call to Siri and then sound came back.


    Is anyone of you having same issue or workaround as I have describe?


    Regards, (and sorry for my poor english) 🙂

    Dec 29, 2016 10:28 AM in response to michaelc

    I switched to Verizon, but you can purchase a SIM Free iPhone from Apple. It should be the Verizon Model or you can purchase a Verizon Model iPhone from Apple. Like I said I believe it is the new Intel Cellular Chip causing the issue for AT&T customers. I purchased a new SIM card from AT&T and that did not help. Apple replaced the iPhone already and that didn't help.


    In the end I simply decided to make the move to Verizon because my experience as a whole with AT&T was slipping and the Bluetooth issue was the straw that broke the camel's back. Also note that the Verizon model has the old Qualcomm chip that was in the iPhone 6s. I will test an active AT&T SIM in my Verizon later this week to confirm my theory. I am out town at the moment or else I could share the results with you today.

    Dec 29, 2016 12:12 PM in response to Bronco Nation

    So how did you convince Apple to swap your AT&T iPhone for the Verizon model? I got mine through the Apple Upgrade Program. I was thinking of switching to Verizon after my upgrade anyway but didn't realize that the AT&T version doesn't support CDMA before I got it. This was highly misleading in my opinion since the 6S and 6S Plus were "global" phones that worked on AT&T/Verizon.

    Dec 29, 2016 12:30 PM in response to mrzmaster

    I did not convince Apple to give me a new iPhone. I went to Verizon, ported my number, bought a new iPhone 7 plus on their program and still owe for the other iPhone purchased on the Apple Upgrade Program.


    What is worst of all about the Apple Upgrade Program they would not sell me a Verizon Model A1661 despite my major complaint that the new Intel Cellular Chip was only compatible on AT&T and T-Mobile, thus not a truly unlocked phone. It was in the fine print before I purchased. At the end of the day I wished I would have stuck with my iPhone 6s.

    iPhone7 Bluetooth issue in the car

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