Will iOS 8.2 update fix Bluetooth problems with iPhone 5/6 and in-car infotainment systems?

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Bluetooth Settings IOS 8.2Since, September of 2014 when Apple launched the iPhone 6/6+ and pushed out the update to iOS 8, there have been problems with Bluetooth and in-car infotainment systems. We at AUTO Connected Car News have been documenting the painful travails of our readers who gave Apple the Edsel Yugo Award for the Biggest Snafu 2014 for the Tech CARS Awards. We continue to hear about Bluetooth connection problems and iOS 8.xx or iPhone 6/6+ reported with BMW, Audi, Acura, MINI, GM(Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick), Honda, Kia, Toyota, Volkswagen (VW), Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Lexus, Fiat, Hyundai and more from our readers’ comments.

The fourth version of iOS 8.2 is being Beta tested by developers and has a new Bluetooth setting for the Apple Watch due out in March. The changelog states that the update also has bug fixes. In order for the watch to work it will require a Bluetooth connection. In fact, iOS 8.2 adds a new setting to the Bluetooth menu in iOS 8.2.

Update 3/10/2015: The update to iOS 8.2 has Bluetooth fixes in the changelog. Our readers report that it does not fix all Bluetooth or music issues.

The latest Beta of iOS 8.2 includes the ability to pair your iPhone with the Apple Watch using Bluetooth. In the Settings area in iOS 8.2 in Bluetooth settings, under “other devices” it states “To pair an Apple Watch with your iPhone, go to the Apple Watch app.”

Apple Watch users will install an Apple Watch app on their iPhone, which will be used to download apps onto the watch as well as likely manage Apple Watch settings. The user’s iPhone is also used for computer power for computations to save Apple Watch battery life.

It would seem logical that Bluetooth would have to work properly for the Apple Watch to work. However Apple is controlling both the watch and the iPhone operating systems. Bluetooth connectivity with in-car systems will only benefit if the new Bluetooth functionality for the Apple Watch fixed the problem wreaking havoc on in-car infotainment systems.

Apple is looking to expand its iOS beta testing program to include a wider pool of users to improve testing and the quality of feedback. We are hoping that some developers try the update in their cars.

There are also reports that there is an iOS 8.1.3 update coming soon, which we can not verify.

Some discussions to fix Bluetooth problems in Apple forums have received 50,000 views.

In fact, Apple updated a support page on November 8, 2014. It sates, if you updated to iOS 8, have iCloud turned on, and are using Bluetooth, you might, not connect to a Bluetooth accessory, like a car kit, car stereo. Or you if can’t make or receive phone calls as well as can’t hear sound over Bluetooth, then upgrade to iOS 8.1. The update did work for a few of our readers.

Apple states on the Bluetooth issues page:

“If the steps above have not resolved the Bluetooth behavior you are experiencing, perform a software restore in iTunes. If the issue persists after restoring your iOS device in iTunes, contact Apple for support and service options.”

Support forums direct to a Bluetooth update page that says some Bluetooth accessories may require a firmware update for full compatibility with iOS devices such as a firmware update for AVRCP 1.4 Bluetooth compatibility.  AVRCP 1.4 support was added in iOS 6. This protocol is for playing music and has been iOS since version iOS 6.

The list of stereos is very small that Apple states have software updates. Below is the list from car stereos that can be updated to Bluetooth AVRCP 1.4  from Apple, dated November 18. It looks like these are “older model” units.

  • Advent OE Multimedia Headunits
  • Alpine CDE-133BT, CDE-135BT, CDE-136BT, DE-HD137BT, DE-HD138BT, DE-W235BT, VE-W530,
  • Clarion CZ702, CZ302, FZ502, M502, NX602, Clarion NX702
  • Kenwood DNX6190HD, DNX6990HD, DNX7190HD, DNX9990HD, KDC-BT752HD, KDC-BT852HD, KDC-BT952HD, KDC-X796, KDC-X896, KDC-X996
  • Pioneer DEH-P8400BH, DEH-P9400BH,  DEH-80PRS, AVH-P2400BT, AVH-P3400BH, AVH-P4400BH, AVH-P8400BH

Along with hundreds of comments from our readers, we have seen reports of a new 2014 Dodge Challenger with UConnect not working with iOS 8.1.2 and Bluetooth. There is a report of several iPhone 6 models not working Volkswagen systems, then started working. Posted daily in the Apple Support Forums are comments like this

“Since the launch of iOS 8, the Bluetooth in my Mazda 3 does not auto connect to my iPhone 5 when placing a phone call.”

Forum members with two iPhone 5’s have tried all the nuke-it style fixes that only waste time. Or when one driver tries to make a call initiated from the iPhone the call gets routed from Bluetooth hands free audio to iPhone audio.  Some in-car Bluetooth systems worked with IOS 8.1.1, but since the 8.1.2 update came out it doesn’t work at all anymore.

On forum member is so bold as to write “Apple’s upgrade to the 8.xxx series exposed some configurations which have not excepted the upgrade and evidently actually ruined some part of the hardware itself.”

A Mazda owner posted her response from Mazda:

Thank you for visiting MazdaHandsFree.com. We have very rigorous testing procedures and unfortunately, iOS 8.1 for the iPhone 6 did not pass our testing for compatibility with the Mazda HandsFree system for transferring calls that were originally placed from the phone handset. There were too many issues with the phone.

Unfortunately, there are no software or firmware updates available for the HandsFree system.  When we find issues with compatibility we inform the manufacturer of the issue.  Hopefully this will be resolved in the future.

We see reports of CDMA iPhone 6/6+ working with Bluetooth but not GSM carrier iPhones such as AT&T. The list goes on and on and on…

Due to the massive amount of comments we received, we are working with a third-party device maker we met at CES to see if they can offer an inexpensive device that will allow better Bluetooth connections with iOS 8-8.1.2 iPhone (5-6+). The rep we spoke with said that the company made the adapters that allowed different model iPhones/iPods to connect to in-car infotainment systems.

Previously, after talking to many automakers we tried to Why Bluetooth iOS 8-8.1 & iPhone 6-6+ issues persist in cars. Commenters showed their disgust and frustration to the tune of hundreds of reports of Bluetooth malfunctions. It seemed like the 8.1 update helped with a few new model cars. Read a summary of Bluetooth issues and fixes along with the new “audio-only” connection fix. Read the most popular nuke-it fixes.

If you have updated to iOS 8.1-8.2 or iPhone 6-6+ and it fixed or fried your Bluetooth issues with your in-car infotainment system, please let us know in the comments below, be sure to note your make, model and year of your vehicle.

25 thoughts on “Will iOS 8.2 update fix Bluetooth problems with iPhone 5/6 and in-car infotainment systems?”

  1. I have a 2014 Mazda3 and iPhone 6+ with the latest IOS update. I haven’t seen any difference in connectivity. Text messaging never works. Auto Bluetooth/music pairing is poor at <20%. If I manually start the Bluetooth music, then it will play until I get out of the car, but it won't automatically pair. The phone works via Bluetooth 80% of the time.

  2. I recently got an Apple Watch, which is paired with my iPhone 6. I own a 2015 Audi Q5 and never had any Bluetooth issues, until now. Now the “MMI” system isn’t really usable unless I just unpair it from my phone and disconnect. When I’m connected, it just goes into a mode where it tries to dial my phone number and you can;t break out of it. Weird and frustrating!

    • Omg Gavin I’m so glad I’m not the only person that’s having this weird problem with our MMI system. I have a brand new 2015 A3 and initially I had problems making phone calls through bluetooth – it will show phone call data on the screen but you can’t hear anything nor can the other person hear you. And later on after I disconnect and reconnect my bluetooth, it’s just showing dial “My Number” on the screen and it can’t play music anymore since it’s always on the dialing mode, which like you said is really really frustrating! I had to disconnect again and try reconnect, but now I gave up until either Apple or Audi has an update for us.

      • We have over 1200 comments/complaints about in-car systems iOS 8.-8.3 and Bluetooth. You are not the only one, we have been looking for solutions for months. Be sure to check out this page that we update with each new finding.

  3. I could care less about a stupid watch! I have a $104,000 Mercedes that won’t connect to the Bluetooth using OS 8.3! Where oh where is Steve Jobs?

  4. 2015 chevy Silverado with a feb 2014 production date, can not get an audio notification of incoming text messages the vibration only works

  5. I have a 2012 VW GTI with stock in-dash navigation/audio setup. My Bluetooth worked perfectly with IOS 8.1, but I’m having problems with 8.2. Audio connects, but track/artist name does not appear on the display and the steering wheel controls don’t work anymore. It’s very frustrating! Please let me know if you find a fix.

  6. Will 8.2 work with my Kenwood DNN990HD for hands free to my iphone 6,Works on 8.1.2
    would like to know if working before i update,can’t find any information on line.

    • The automakers and the audio makers get the update the same time everyone else does. It can be weeks before they know if it works with their products. The general rule of thumb is to wait to update, if everything is currently working fine. With the 8.1 update some audio makers advised owners to wait.

    • i just tried a iphone 5s and it could see my Kenwood but the deck did not see the phone.On firmware 8.2,i on 8.1.2 works great on handsfree.No up dating my iphone 6.

  8. I updated my Iphone6 Plus last night and it did not fix the issue on my Subaru Forrester 2015. I’m so disappointed so far with Mac products. I never had that issue with Galaxy phone. The minute I turned on the car, it would automatically connect and if I received a call it would have the option to answer it from my phone and now I have to go to Settings and try to connect to use Bluetooth! It’s crazy and not mention very DANGEROUS! I have a child and we are out and about and if someone calls that I need to talk to I can’t because the stupid phone won’t sync automatically! I’m beyond frustrated that I’m thinking about selling the phone and going back to an Android phone. It makes a big difference when you can’t use one of the most important features on your car and phone.

  9. Downloaded iOSs 8.2 for iPhone 6 plus on March 10. It does not correct Bluetooth issues on my 2014 Audi A8. Hands-free calls work (always have), but I cannot hear any email or text notification sounds.

      • It’s frustrating when you got an expensive phone and it doesn’t sync Bluetooth to the car !!! I need to change my phone … iPhones when they are new they are restricted!! Bluetooth won’t work I had this issue before with my iPhone 5 ghrrrt

  11. I just bought a 2015 Audi A3. After hours and hours of research and trial and error, I realized my problem of not being able to respond to text messages through MMI and Siri not working through car speakers is all because of Apple’s Bluetooth issues. I’m very frustrated with Apple and although I’ve said I would never go back to an Android phone after switching to Apple, I am eating those words. Will be purchasing a Samsung device very soon. The more I research, the more pissed off I get at Apple. There is no excuse for the problems they have caused.

  12. I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander Ltd. with Entune Audio/Navigation s ystem. My older iPhone 4s synched to the audio/navigation system and worked fine, including reading incoming test messages outloud. I replaced the older phone with a new iPhone 6 with iOS 8.1.3. After doing all the prescribed “fixes”, I am still not able to receive incoming text messages with the iPhone 6 connected via Bluetooth. The phone is connected, but neither text messages nor Entune applications work. Since everything worked previously, this is clearly an Apple issue. Very frustrating that the old system worked and the upgrade does not. Based on all the negative online feedback, it appears Apple has no solution to this problem.

  13. I have a Subaru 2011 Forester with a Kenwood FXDD07KF2 Navigation System and an iPhone 6 running iOS 8.1.3. Beginning with iOS 8 l, the only problem I have with the Bluetooth connection occurs when I use hands free Siri to dial a call. When I tell Siri to “call xxxxx”, Siti responds with “calling xxxx” and then the phone disconnects before connecting the call. To this point, I have done an iPhone reset, Restore, and Reset All Settings. I have also deleted the phone from the Subaru Bluetooth and deleted the Subaru from the phone. Then once all was clear, and I recycled power from both, I reconnected. No difference. Hope iOS 8.2 fixes this Bluetooth problem. All worked perfect before iOS 8. Just my 2 cents.

  14. My 6+ does still not work in my new golf GTI.

    I always use GPS at the same time as i charge it (gps drains battery) i also answer phonecalls and listen to music. When someone calls now i have to remove the charger befor i answer…. Apple realy fucked up and im afraid some traffic accidents will be due to people having to mess whith cables and shit since the bluetooth is broken.

    If this is something tvey did just so ppl will get carplay they are morons…

    Just get it working… Please

  15. I just got a brand new 2015 Acura RDX and synced my iPhone 5 to the Bluetooth seamlessly, with no issues. I could make phone calls fine and my in-car system would even read and allow me to respond to text messages without issues.

    3 days ago I bought a brand new iPhone 6 and paired it to my car. I can receive and make phone calls through Bluetooth fine, but none of my text messages will come through the system. When I try to set that feature up, it says the phone doesn’t support the Text Messaging feature. I’m currently regretting upgrading my

  16. I have an alpine cde-hd149bt headunit that paired flawlessly with my iphone 6 running ios 8 and ios 8.1.1 for a little over a month. The day I installed 8.1.2 it ceased connecting automatically. Sometimes I am able to force the devices to pair an it will allow me to make calls but I have not been able to play music since the date of installation. I’ve tried every fix offered to no avail. I really had my fingers crossed for 8.1.3; hoping it would fix these long standing issues. I just installed it today, and guess what. It still doesn’t work. Thanks apple.

  17. I have a 2012 Honda Civic, and an iPhone 6. Since I got the new phone, the bluetooth has been completely unreliable — it will disconnect within a minute or 2 of starting a call, often it will reconnect a few seconds later but sometimes it won’t. Very frustrating. I’ve tried resetting both the car settings and the phone to no avail. None of the iOS updates so far have done anything to help.

    • I also have a civic 2012 and experience exactly the same issue. I’m updating to 8.3 as I write this here’s hoping it’s fixed.

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