Well, this could be one for the bug team to sort out.
A number of oPhone SE early adopters have reported audio issues with Bluetooth phone calls when the smartphone is paired with a vehicle or wireless headset. The issue extends to GPS voice navigation for some, but streaming music over Bluetooth appears to be unaffected.
The users claimed 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.
One user, who went by the handle HickDead, offered the following feedback regarding the issue:
“I actually had to return my SE back to Verizon because my Bluetooth calls reception quality was terrible. Playing music or YouTube videos through the Bluetooth was excellent but when it came to phone calls, the sound was constantly cutting in and out and sounded “scratchy” and distorted.
Never had this issue with my previous 6S or my work-issued Android phone. Tried my SE in a different vehicle and got the same results. I’ve unpaired and repaired and I even restored my SE and set it up as a new device but nothing has worked.”
The issue appears to affect all iPhone SE models running iOS 9.3 or 9.3.1, regardless of carrier or model.
The first iOS 9.3.2 beta does not appear to resolve the problem.
The issue does not appear to be isolated to any particular carmaker, as customers have reported identical issues with vehicles sold by Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and many other makes and models.
It’s currently unknown as to whether this is a software or hardware error, although a number of customers have attempted to troubleshoot it without success. So far, their efforts have included restoring the iPhone SE, resetting network settings, un-pairing and re-pairing Bluetooth, toggling cellular data, and changing SIM cards.
A few users who contacted Apple support were escalated to higher-level iOS advisors who asked them for log files. Some stated that Apple’s engineers were aware of the Bluetooth issues and working on a fix, although Apple has yet to offer any official comment.
If you’ve snagged an iPhone SE and seen this issue on your end, please let us know about your experience in the comments.
Via MacRumors and Apple Support Communities
One reply on “Some iPhone SE users complain of Bluetooth audio issues, Apple has yet to offer official comment”
I upgraded from 5c to the se last week and thought the problems I had were from everyone else’s phone. Contacted Apple last night and they had me reset network settings, however that did nothing. I have until next Thursday before I’m out of the 14 day return. Love this phone but might have to go with 6s. Hopefully they will find a solution soon.