Oh-uh it seems like it’s déjà vu all over again with the latest update to iOS 8.3 for iPhone 5-6+ and in-car infotainment systems. The update has fixed some issues for some frustrated car owners and caused problems with other car makes and models. Since the update to iOS 8.0, each Apple iOS update has been wreaking havoc on some in-car infotainment systems.
The update to iOS 8.3 came out earlier this week. First, it was reported that Touch ID for iTunes and App Store purchases was not functioning properly. Then it was reported that it was fixed on the Apple server-side. The massive long changelog does offer hope for people who use their iPhones in their cars and use Siri.
In the iOS 8.3 Changelog under Wi-Fi and Bluetooth fixes it states:
“Fixes an issue where you could be continuously prompted for login credentials.
Addresses an issue where some devices disconnect intermittently from Wi-Fi networks.
Fixes an issue where hands-free phone calls could become disconnected.
Fixes an issue where audio playback could stop working with some bluetooth speakers.”
Under CarPlay fixes:
“Fixes an issue where Maps could come up as a black screen.
Fixes an issue where the UI could be incorrectly rotated.
Fixes an issue where the keyboard could appear on the CarPlay screen when it shouldn’t.”
Other improvements and bug fixes:
Improves the pronunciation of street names during turn-by-turn navigation in Maps.
There is additional language and country support for Siri: English (India, New Zealand), Danish (Denmark), Dutch (Netherlands), Portuguese (Brazil), Russian (Russia), Swedish (Sweden), Thai (Thailand), Turkish (Turkey). Additional dictation languages: Arabic (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) and Hebrew (Israel) Improves stability for Phone, Mail, Bluetooth connectivity, Photos, Safari tabs, Settings, Weather and Genius Playlists in Music
For audio streaming the changelog states:
It fixes an issue that could cause Podcast downloads to stall when switching from Wi-Fi to cellular networks and it also fixes an issue that sometimes prevented adjusting call volume.
Out of all our comments we have one fix reported for iOS 8.3 that Siri now works much better for voice commands with Bluetooth connections for things like “Call my wife.”
Meanwhile, we have received reports that of Bluetooth and USB connection problems with:
- iOS 8.3, and USB connection to a 2013 MINI no longer works.
- OS 8.3 did not restore Bluetooth connection in Honda 2014 CRV.
- 2010 Ford Fusion and iPhone 6 Plus.
- No Bluetooth pairing with 2015 F-150 System or 2013 Lexus. Addresses are not available.
- 2005 Acura RDX, the incoming calls using SIRI hands free now just shows all numbers on the dash display as unknown instead of showing the name.
So what’s going on? If appears that the beta testers are not testing each software update with in-vehicle systems or Bluetooth speakers. Remember, the automakers get the updates at the same time that the users do. We even have comments from someone who works at a car dealer who can’t get the Bluetooth to work. It also appears that the new Bluetooth profile in iOS 8-8.3 is very large and complicated because it added functionality for the new Apple Watch. The Apple Watch doesn’t really help drivers because the face is small, it may work for phone calls with Siri by calling from watch, but in no way is as good a full in-car Bluetooth system that routes calls through the speakers.
Many have contacted Apple and or their car dealers and are waiting for responses. In our last roundup of fixes it seemed like some automakers had updated their infotainment system software and it is available for download online. A new problem arose with music streaming skipping like a scratched CD.
Previously, some found that nuke-it fix sometimes helped re-pair Bluetooth connections and in-car systems. There is also indications that using the steering wheel buttons to update the settings and even disconnecting the car battery helps some.
If you have updated to iOS 8.3 for iPhone 5/5S/5c 6-6+ and it fixed or fried your Bluetooth issues or music streaming 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. We also welcome any solutions you have found worked with your car.
We have comments from readers that there are still Bluetooth problems reported with BMW, Audi, Acura, MINI, GM(Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick), Honda, Kia, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Lexus, Fiat, Hyundai, Chrysler, Acura, Mazda and more.
Previously, after talking to many automakers we asked Why Bluetooth iOS 8-8.1 & iPhone 6-6+ issues persist in cars? It seemed like the 8.1 update helped with a few new model cars. Here is a summary of Bluetooth issues and fixes and checkout the most popular nuke-it fixes.
We received good and bad news about iOS 8.2 when it was first launched.
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This is an iOS 8 issue. I upgraded all my car software.. tried everything but still had all the problems. Everything was fine under iOS7.
I installed iOS 9.1 Beta on my iPhone 5S and it appears that all the problems have been resolved. I connected via BlueTooth and my address book now fully loads. I did search of address book and that works. I placed phone calls. I played music. I then connected USB and for full music interface. All issues have been resolved.
I have a BMW 535.
2011 Mercury mariner- keep getting “Bluetooth media disconnected” has worked flawlessly for the last 2 years and all the sudden it won’t work or stay connected. I have not updated my iPhone 6 to iOS 8.3 yet.
2008 Infiniti G35X. Bluetooth phone connection still works for iPhone 5, but the infotainment system no longer responds to my iPhone when I plug in the cable. It’s been a slow death administered by Apple. When iOS 7 came, my iPhone was able to play on the infotainment system through the connected cable, but I couldn’t use the in-car knobs to makes selections. When I finally gave in an upgraded to iOS 8.3, the car simply didn’t recognize my phone anymore. Really pisses me off that Apple is dictating the obsolescence of my car.
Have you found a fix? I have the same issue. It won’t recognize my iPhone. On occasion (very rarely) it will recognize it (happened recently with iOS 9 it started playing then stopped after a few minutes)
Just bought a 2015 Subaru Impreza Sport Premium… I paired my iPhone 6+ without a hitch. Contacts were imported and music via BT and USB port working great. What isn’t working great is my phone. I can make and receive calls but everything is muted. I can’t hear the person I called or who called me. If I don’t have music playing then my phone works fine. But when I use voice activation to make a call while listening to music on my phone then it seems to mute everything, music plus phone call. My dealership has not heard of this complaint before… I unpaired then re-paired my phone to the car to no avail. I even restored phone and infotainment unit to factory settings then paired again but still the same issue with muted calls while listening to music…. very frustrated!
Skips on 2015 Volvo S60. Guess new iOS isnt always better. Thought there was a set of Bluetooth standards to ensure compatibility.
New IPhone 6 doesn’t connect to my Honda CRV 2012 Bluetooth, previous had IPhone 4S with no problems.
I just installed 8.4 and have a 2013 Kia Optima ipod no longer works with car stereo whatsoever.
2011 XC 90 wired connection for the IPhone 5c will not work. Tells me that the iphone is not recognized. I went to the Volvo dealership this morning and they stated that it works with the Iphone 6 and the software is up to date. I have the 8.4 update on my phone.
2015 Honda CRV iPhone 5c shows connected to car via bluetooth and works with phone calls but does not work with iPod/music apps/maps it previously did before iOS 8.3 update. Doing iPhone iOS 8.4 update now. Hopefully that will fix issue.
My iPhone 5 after update to iOS 8.3 is not playing over USB in my 2015 Grand Cherokee Overland. Frustrating to say the least. Screen asks to connect the device.
I have an 2015 Audi Allroad. The bluetooth pairing (seemingly) randomly disappears with our iOS 8.3 on iPhone 4S phones. MMI doesn’ t think there are any available bluetooth devices and we have to register our phones. When it does this it also drops the pairing on our iPad 2 and iPad Air, both iOS 8.3.
USB sync and Bluetooth conection both stopped working with 2014 Nissan Pathfinder with the 8.3 IOS on a iphone 4s and an iphone 5S
Got a 2014 Mini Cooper and a 2012 Hyundai Veloster and I have the same issue on both cars. Bluetooth connectivity problems. Always have to repair the Phone.
2015 BMW X3 Still no notification sound when receiving texts and emails and Siri do not work +iPhone 6 /IOS 8.3 :((
HI all. Here’s an update on my previous comment (2008 Mazda CX9 + iPhone6+ IOS8.3 Bluetooth issue). I dropped by my Mazda dealer and they fixed the problem. The technician reset my car’s Bluetooth module and it paired. He told me that it might come to a point that I have to replace my car’s Bluetooth module since it is 7 years old now. Hopefully this will work for others.
Thank you for sharing. We’re glad you got it fixed.
2008 Mazda CX9 + iPhone 6+ IOS8.3. My Bluetooth stopped working when I updated to IOS8.3. I tried to delete the phone in my car and ‘forget this device’ on my phone and repaired. My phone detects my car but would not connect after I input the selected ‘code’. It worked fine with IOS8.2
2014 Honda CRV + iPhone 6+ IOS 8.3 My phone randomly and repeatedly disconnects and reconnects during calls. The Music APP automatically starts playing when connected to BlueTooth, even when my phone doesn’t have the app open, which means there’s no app to swipe it closed. The phone doesn’t charge when tit’s connected and in use.
2011 Honda Odyssey + iPhone 6. iOS 8.3 does not fix the problem. Both my phone and my wifes phone randomly disconnect and reconnect during phone calls. It usually happens at least once per call and sometimes repeatedly. It never seems to disconnect while playing music over bluetooth.
I recently purchased a 2015 Lexus RX 350 and the phone paired but the feature that shows SMS/MMS text messages does not work. Does anyone know how to fix this?
Sometimes Siri Eyes Free works with text messaging.
I have a Honda CRV 2012 and the apple iOS 8.3 update wreaked havoc on my Bluetooth connection, my USB connection. It drops calls on and off Bluetooth, my USB connection now says “UNSUPPORTED” and I can no longer stream music and charge my phone at the same time. If j plug my phone in to charge, my music will stop steaming. If j unplug my phone then the music might stream. And the iPOD icon in my cars system is no longer available due to it being unsupported. APPLE, please add an update to fix!
2012 Audi s4 MMI and iPhone 5s. Since 8.3 update unable to use the cars speakers or mic during phone calls. Radio mutes and screen shows call data but can only speak and hear into phone. Very frustrating. Tried reset all settings. Temporary fix but only for a day. Overall very unhappy with Apple
BMW5er with Firmware “TN-002-045.001-008.017” & iPhone 6 with iOS 8.3
Bluethooth findings: Call Handling works, Entertainment doesn’t work.
The Bluetooth connection is enabled and the iPhone is detected as ready for Call and Music via Bluethooth, but not visible at the the Entertain-Menu in the car.
2014 BMW 335i, iPhone 5s iOS 8.3
This is exactly what I’m experiencing. I called the BMW Genius line and confirmed that the car firmware was up to date. The tech acted as if this is the first time he’d encountered the problem, he did not blame Apple. He told me to wait for an update for my car firmware (updates are released one or two times per year).
with iOS8.3, Bluetooth issue..does not work in Honda Odyssey 2011..nor does it work on my motorola bluetooth ear piece. iphone 6. disconnects or no audio. It does recognize my device which is annoying b/c it keeps overriding me when I try to make a call not using that device so just turned off bluetooth all together so I can use earbuds. They need to fix this ASAP!
2015 Subaru Forester Touring Edition – iPhone 6+ – started being spotting back in March and as of the end of March it stopped working completely. Will connect and then drop within 2 minutes.
FIAT LINEA EMOTION 2013 model, iOS 8.3, Bluetooth issue still continues. Not able to make call or disconnects in seconds
2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS, iPhone6, IOS 8.3, Hyundai Adapter cable (30 pin) and Apple 30-pin to lightning adapter cable.
Worked flawlessly for three years using iPhone 4s / IOS 6 and Hyundai cable, worked flawlessly on iPhone 6 with Hyundai cable + Apple adapter until I updated to IOS 8.3.
Get Loading Error when connecting by cable. Can connect via cable most mornings but subsequent connections fail throughout the day, including when cable is connected and car is simply restarted. Sometimes can get connection by quitting iTunes, switching car audio on and off, but most times cannot. Curiously, phone will successfully load randomly. Rebooting phone not a solution. Swiching car audio off and on not a solution.
Not experiencing issues with Bluetooth.
Not experiencing issues with calls.
Edit to my previous comment, Bluetooth works for calls but when it is on it kills the iPod connectivity dead on my iPhone 6. Absolutely refuses to play iTunes through the cable no matter what I do. If I turn Bluetooth off, I get the previously noted intermittent connectivity through the iPhone/Hyundai cables.
Updated to 8.4 on July 1. Problem solved.
2015 Acura RDX Bluetooth repeatedly drops connections during calls and then reestablishes connection.
I have the same issue. It’s as if the connection is not really gone as it comes back after 3-10 seconds. Very frustrating on both ends of the call. I have reset both the phone and the car – no improvement.
I have a 2012 Kia Sorento. I had no problems until I “upgraded” to 8.3. Now the car can’t see my iphone 5 at all. I can’t pair, never mind connect. Bluetooth can’t see the car, either.
I have an issue with playing media. Either via bluetooth on my iPhone, which is 8.2(12D508) and my iPod touch 8.3(12F69). This just stopped working all of the sudden. I can make calls via voice command over bluetooth on my iPhone, but I cannot play songs via voice command. Example: “Play song, Bust a Move.” then I keeped getting prompted; Say the Song you wish to play.” Me. “Bust a Move”. Infotainment; “Pardon” – This repeats until she says Goodbye. I have a 2014 GMC Acadia and I am not sure what the revision of the Infotainment system is.
07 Infiniti M35x. iOS 8.3. iPhone 6. All was well until upgrade to iOS 8.
2014 Mazda 3 Sport Nav and IOS 8.3 on iPhone 6. Bluetooth is all fine – phone, music and text notifications work properly. But, Mazda will not connect to my iPhone’s WiFi hotspot (for Mazda Navigation Connected Services – live traffic etc), though it works with a Windows Phone. Suspect the problem is actually Mazda’s (Visteon) not scanning anything other than WiFi Channel 11 – anybody else?
So does your text messages now display on your infotainment system with the 8.3 update? I currently have a 2015 mazda 3 and an iphone 6 plus that is running on 8.1. Everything works except the text notifications popping up.
2011 Prius –> USB Charging and USB iPod connection to car stopped working on a iPhone 4S with iOS 8.3
Just got my iPhone 6 updated to iOS 8.3, doesn’t work in Audi S5 2013
2012 Volvo XC60
Both phone and stream worked properly before iOS 8.3. Now both of them constantly breaks up. It’s so annoying. 🙁
2014 Subaru Forrester here- the iPhone 8.3 update killed any connectivity I was able to get since 8.0
I’m with Celeste – I used to have pretty perfect Bluetooth connectivity in my ’14 Forester. Now it’s intermittent at best. Sometimes the fix is to switch to USB, but it doesn’t always recognize that. When it does, it will play through USB for a few minutes, then go to mute, after which switching it to the Bluetooth will often work. Sometimes nothing works. This is wildly frustrating when trying to use the phone for navigation, because the phone doesn’t then default to its speaker — it thinks it’s still connected, I just can’t get anything to play.
2011 Hyundai Tucson. Previous to 8.3, no issues playing music through my iPhone 5s connected with OEM cable and 30-pin to lightning adapter. Now, with 8.3, get “loading error” message when trying to play music. Have to either restart Music app, or unplug cable with car off, turn on car, plug cable back in, and then connect to iPhone for it to work. After turning car off, have to repeat above procedure.
Same issue here with 2011 Sonata. Getting “Initialization Error” while connected to my iPhone 6plus (on 8.3). 1 in 100 times I can get it to work, however if I turn off the stereo to talk to someone in the car beside me, upon turning it on again I’m always faced with the error message. Closing all apps, and rebooting the phone works on occasion. Seems so hit and miss.
Same issue in 2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan with iphone 6+ after 8.3 IOS upgrade. I opened a call with Apple support (still in progress). I’ve reset phone settings, tried another 5S (at 8.3), went to dealer and asked if there was some fix for radio (no help there). Even called HyundaiUSA to see if others had the same issue. So far no suggestions on how to fix. Even Apple support forum has thread showing issue after the upgrade for many people. This is an IOS 8.3 issue Apple – please fix it. If someone figures this out, please post.
2013 Subuaru Outback will initiaially connect via bluetooth, but will not re-connect after ignition is turned off.
BMW X1(E84) 9/2012 has problems with Connected Drive and IOS 8.3. Connection is lost appx. after 1-2 minutes. Also problems with bluetooth connection.
Problems are with USB and bluetooth.
Since release 8.X I cannot use my iPhone with my Audi A6. I get connected and a minute later I’m again disconnected. I have reset everything and nothing help. It should be a high priority given the fact that’s a security issue, handsfree are not a joke but 8 months after release 8 no solution in sight
Mazda 2012 CX-9 I-Phone 5 pairs and appears connected, but no audio for phone even after 8.3 software update. Music works fine. Very frustrating – should have kept my Droid!
Alpine iLX-007 will play applications but there is no sound.
2014 Mazda3 won’t pair with my Iphone 6 8.3 at all.
Heard from Apple tech again today. They sent me a screen shot from Honda’s site stating texting is not supported. Told him of course they have to say that now because it was a feature that was lost with your update! “uh…….” his solution? Just keep downloading updates in hope that eventually the feature returns. (Honda CRV 2014)
That the way Apple works, they do whatever they want and the rest of the world has to do it their way which is unfortunate for the millions of iPhone owners with in-car infotainment systems. The automakers are not happy with Apple either.
I have a 2011 Ford Edge, a 2014 Silverado and iPhone 6. Bluetooth has worked properly with the Ford with the things that I do. With the Silverado, I am always able to play music from the iPhone through the vehicle’s system. The phone side for talking works about 60% of the time. When it works, it works well. When it isn’t working properly, the battery strength and signal strength icons are not present on the Silverado’s dash. The Bluetooth indicator is present. The indicators on the phone show that the iPhone believes it is connected. During this time the normal phone operation is blocked since it feels it is working through Bluetooth. The only way to utilized the iPhone for talking during this situation is to disable Bluetooth on the iPhone and then it can be used directly.
I updated to the latest version this week with no change. It is neither better nor worse.
2014 Audi A1 – listening Spotify doesn’t work!!!
2012 Audi A4 – unable to make phone calls now through audi mmi system. Back to headphones in ears. Very frustrating!
Infiniti G35 2006, iphone 6 8.3
Car only supports bluetooth handsfree.
The 8.3 update now plays all notification audio over the car bluetooth.
So it pauses my CD audio, switches to telephony, plays the notification sound, switches back to CD, resumes playing CD audio.
Before 8.3 update, the car only switched to telephony for phone calls.
8.3 is giving me much improved bluetooth audio performance on my 2011 Infiniti M56.
I previously had occasional loss of bluetooth audio (occurring about once every hour or two of audio.) These events had previously required that I turn OFF bluetooth in the iphone control panel, wait for it to completely disconnect, then turn ON bluetooth in my iphone control panel, then choose my car’s phone access button, then wait for it connect, then choose play on my iPhone. Then it would be fine for another hour or two. That required sequence was quite annoying when driving.
Now it seems to lose bluetooth audio at about the same frequency (about once every hour or two), BUT when it happens it seems to fix itself automatically. ie, as soon as it happens, the bluetooth connection completely disconnects by ITSELF, and then reconnects by itself. All I have to do is wait a few moments for that simple process to complete and then turn my stereo’s power on and off and problem handled.
(That is a greatly improved situation. Very easy to live with, and much better, in this state, than I would typically experience with my Galaxy Note bluetooth performance. Which would lose sound on audio, and never return, WHENEVER I used the bluetooth for phone calls.)
Still problems with contacts on 2012 Hyundai Elantra using iOS 8.3
I have a Honda Civic 2012 and Bluetooth now disconnects and reconnects over and over again.
Same here, infuriating to be crippled from using a simple industry standard.
I have a 2012 Honda Fit and my IPhone 6+ with IOS 9.0. The Bluetooth connection drops and reconnects constantly. It’s worse with the 9.0 update than before.
I have a 2014 Honda Accord and I’m unable to use the text messaging on screen in car thought the new update would fix but it hasn’t .. Waiting on Apple car play to come out and then it should be fine .. It only works with android with linking the text messaging in the car in the screen
2014 Audi A8 still no notification sound when receiving texts. This started with iOS 8.
Audi A3 2014 iOS 8.3 still problems
Audi A4 2014 iOS 8.3. Previously had problems with maintaining connectivity and the occasional problem with calls, but this update killed everything completely.
2012 Honda CR-V EX. Before updating to 8.3 today I couldn’t play music (“unsupported device”) and my car could not see my phone at all. It sees SM-G730V and I have no idea whose phone that is – not mine! Today – post update – it can play music, but it still can’t see my phone.
My 2015 Honda Fit will not connect bluetooth on iPhone 6plus iOS 6+. My phone appears in the devices list but the car bluetooth will not connect. Very irritating.