During the iPhone SE’s first weeks of release, an increasing number of users have reported audio issues with Bluetooth phone calls when the device is paired with a wireless headset, or to a vehicle’s handsfree Bluetooth connection. Some users also report the issue extends to GPS voice navigation. Streaming music, however, seems to be unaffected.
Specifically, dozens of users in the Apple Support Communities and MacRumors discussion forums claim to be experiencing distorted, staticky, or inaudible phone calls when using an iPhone SE over Bluetooth. Many of those affected noted that their previous iPhone model had “crystal clear” audio quality.
Based on the information in the above forums, the issue appears to affect all iPhone SE models running iOS 9.3 or 9.3.1, regardless of carrier or model, and in a number of countries, including the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, and more. Users report the iOS 9.3.2 beta does not appear to fix the issue.
Users are not reporting any one particular car make as being affected, as drivers of vehicles sold by Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and more are reporting the issue.
Users have attempted a number of resolutions without any success. Attempts include restoring the iPhone SE, resetting network settings, un-pairing and re-pairing Bluetooth, toggling cellular data, and changing SIM cards.
Some users who have contacted Apple support claim to have been escalated to higher-tier support advisors, who have asked the users for log files. Others say Apple has told them that the company is aware of the issue, and is working on a fix.
We’ll keep you posted, and will let you know as soon as a fix or a workaround for the issue is announced.
