Why iPhone 7 iOS 10 launch is important for car Bluetooth connections

Since the release of iOS 8 there are Bluetooth disconnections and issues with many cars new and old. On September 7, Apple will announce the next iPhone, the iPhone 7. Although many wireless subscribers will flock to the new device from Apple, there most likely will be more problems for vehicle owners who will want to use Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling.

The iPhone 7 is expected to look like previous iPhone models. However, from the WWDC in June, when Apple announced changes to iOS for developers ,we know that there will software enhancements. Apparently, the main reason for not changing the physical design is that Apple is planning a big change for the tenth anniversary of the iPhone in 2017.

Some complainers are saying the most annoying aspect of the iPhone is how long it takes to pair it with Bluetooth. iPhones will only automatically connect if you the car Bluetooth is on and if the phone has already been connected. Otherwise you have to go to settings, Bluetooth, connect the device and set it up.

There are several rumors about the iPhone 7 and Bluetooth such as:

• There will be no 3.5 AUX port for headphones.
• The iPhone 7 may come with special Bluetooth earbuds. These earbuds will use Bluetooth LE (BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy) that will ensure great battery life.
• Apple purchased Passif Semiconductor in 2013. The company developed a BLE chip.
• A new blue color may be available.

We were hoping that if Apple supported Bluetooth earbuds that they would then overall the entire Apple Bluetooth ecosystem so that it would work better with Bluetooth. However, BLE is a completely different standard that has not been used in cars.  Cars have Bluetooth Classic which has difficult specifications and in theory should be backward compatible.

Meanwhile, there are some good features in iOS 10 for car owners:

• CarPlay will have updated maps with traffic and directions can be displayed in the instrument cluster.
• Maps will be updated with parking and places along the route.
• Redesigned music.
• Improved Siri AI.

For those who use ridehailing services, they will available from Maps with rates. iOS 10 adds Bluetooth iBeacon printing, called AirPrint Bluetooth Beacon. This function may be like the Handoff feature and interfere with other Bluetooth processes.

We have learned from our readers that the update to iOS 9.3.4 caused Bluetooth problems, too, which are fixed with the favorite fix– “The nuke-it fix.” iOS 9.3.3 and 9.3.4 provide bug and security fixes. However, each update on the iPhone may mess with Bluetooth connections.

iOS updates can change the iPhone handshake to Bluetooth. Updating iOS can alter the Bluetooth signature of the Bluetooth device that was used before.

iPhone iOS 9.3+ Bluetooth Issue Reports with Cars:

• Audi Q5 (2011).  iPhone 6 struggles to pair and even when it does, it won’t accept calls or use the “hands-free” audio.
• Bluetooth connection problems with 2013 Civic EX.
• Problems with 2015 Jetta with Siri over Bluetooth
• 2016 Hyundai ix 35 – voice recognition problems with Bluetooth and iOS 9.3.3.
• 2016 Hyundai Elantra music doesn’t work over Bluetooth.
• iOS 9.3.3. Bluetooth i 2015 SRX Caddy garbled.
• 2015 Dodge Charger (SXT) with intermittent Bluetooth issues.
• No sound for phone calls on Bluetooth with 2016 Kia Rio.
• 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat no Bluetooth music.
• Audi Q7 would not sync phone directory over Bluetooth.
• No Bluetooth connection with the car and headphones with iPhone SE.
• 2013 Toyota Camry unable to connected with iPhone 5.

With every update, even minor ones, there are problems created for car owners. One thing that has helped iPhone iOS users is to wait before updating your iPhone to when the servers will not be busy. It is important that you don’t corrupt your iPhone software during the update. If servers are busy there is a chance that the software will not download properly. Also, make sure that you have a backup of all your data and settings before attempting any upgrade.

The first line of defense is to only update your iPhone over Wi-Fi because cellular connections may cause glitches. If you are already experiencing Bluetooth problems. the next step is any variation of the “nuke-it” fixes.

These fixes remove all the settings from the car and the iPhone to start from scratch. Some have gone as far as disconnected the car battery to clear all the settings in the car, too.

1. Reset All Settings – Go to iPhone  Settings ▸ General  ▸ Reset  ▸ Reset all settings.

2. Unpair Phone and Car Infotainment System Rename Phone – Go to iPhone  Settings ▸  General ▸ About ▸ Name. Change the name of the iPhone and pair with the car infotainment system again.

3. Reset/Restore Network Settings: Restore all network settings of iOS 9.2  Go to Settings ▸ General ▸ Reset (at the bottom)▸ Reset Network settings. This method also deletes all Wi-Fi and other network settings!  If you reset you must re-add all your network settings in iOS.

4. Delete and Start All Over: Delete all Bluetooth devices. See full instructions.

Beside the “Nuke-it” fixes, if you are having Bluetooth problems with iPhones is to disable the frequent locations feature in iOS that keeps checking for traffic to remind you when to leave for appointments. Sometimes turning off Siri helps .

Finally, it looks likes Apple’s security is not perfect. An Apple building in Cupertino was burglarized. One suspect was apprehended at nearby Starbucks.

If you have updated to iOS 9.0-9.3.4 for iPhone SE 5/5S/5c 6-6+ 6S/6S+ 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. The year and model of your car are very important.

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 check-out the most popular nuke-it fixes.

You are welcome to sign up for our newsletter for daily news, weekly news or just Bluetooth iOS 8+ – 10 news to keep informed. Note: if you subscribe to email when published, you will get everything and don’t have to subscribe to other lists.