I, too, have the Sonos system in three rooms of my house running off of my ATT 7+. Also use two different pairs of Bose wireless headphones and use the BT with my Lexus LX and have not had any problems.
Hope Apple fixes for those who do.
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Massive Bluetooth Skipping Issues
- Thread starter aloshka
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I, too, have the Sonos system in three rooms of my house running off of my ATT 7+. Also use two different pairs of Bose wireless headphones and use the BT with my Lexus LX and have not had any problems.
Hope Apple fixes for those who do.
I provided this to the techs weeks ago, but it seems like it was tossed aside. So here are the results of my trials for the public to read:
I work in an environment where I have access to soundproof rooms. The walls are steel with padding and are about 6" thick (solid). These are "dead spots" for wireless in my building, which I surveyed and had to plan around because of the walls. I also work with deploying a lot of iOS devices, so most of my colleagues have an iPhone.
Testing environment:
I tested the area with an OptiView XG using AirMagnet Spectrum XT software. This device and software is used to measure the amount of Radio Frequency (RF) radiation in a given area to troubleshoot issues with wireless, and to help design wireless networks for large corporations. This helped me to ensure that there were no stray 2.4GHz interferers while testing, meaning that the only devices emitting 2.4GHz band RF were the "Devices" listed below (Beats Pill, Plantronics Backbeats, Braven BRV-1) and the phones.
Additionally, I tested the cars listed below in several environments with and without interferers nearby. These were less controlled, however mirrored the exact same results.
Stuttering/Skipping:
To show an example of the skipping sound that I am referring to, please take a look at this video:
Bluetooth devices tested:
As you can see, the issues are localized to the GSM models using the new Intel modems. This further solidifies the belief that there is an existing hardware issue and not a problem with software, interference, or other manufacturer's devices. I'm not sure what else I can do to troubleshoot with the Apple reps, but after spending upwards of $5000 with Apple in 2016, I can't help but to feel neglected.
I work in an environment where I have access to soundproof rooms. The walls are steel with padding and are about 6" thick (solid). These are "dead spots" for wireless in my building, which I surveyed and had to plan around because of the walls. I also work with deploying a lot of iOS devices, so most of my colleagues have an iPhone.
Testing environment:
I tested the area with an OptiView XG using AirMagnet Spectrum XT software. This device and software is used to measure the amount of Radio Frequency (RF) radiation in a given area to troubleshoot issues with wireless, and to help design wireless networks for large corporations. This helped me to ensure that there were no stray 2.4GHz interferers while testing, meaning that the only devices emitting 2.4GHz band RF were the "Devices" listed below (Beats Pill, Plantronics Backbeats, Braven BRV-1) and the phones.
Additionally, I tested the cars listed below in several environments with and without interferers nearby. These were less controlled, however mirrored the exact same results.
Stuttering/Skipping:
To show an example of the skipping sound that I am referring to, please take a look at this video:
Bluetooth devices tested:
- Cars: 2013 Ford Focus, 2011 Toyota Venza, 2007 BMW 335i, 2006 VW Jetta
- Devices: Beats Pill, Plantronics Backbeats, Braven BRV-1
- iPhone 6s - No problems
- iPhone 6s Plus - No problems
- iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T, A1784) - Stuttering
- iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T, A1784) - Stuttering
- iPhone 7 Plus (AT&T, A1784) - Stuttering
- iPhone 7 Plus (T-Mobile, A1784) - Stuttering
- iPhone 7 Plus (Sprint, A1661) - No problems
- iPhone 7 (Verizon, A1660) - No problems
- iPhone 7 Plus (Verizon, A1661) - No problems
- iPhone 7 Plus (Verizon, A1661) - No problems
- There were two other GSM iPhone 7 Pluses that I trialed, but I don't have the model numbers in front of me to list to provide exact details. Both had issues.
As you can see, the issues are localized to the GSM models using the new Intel modems. This further solidifies the belief that there is an existing hardware issue and not a problem with software, interference, or other manufacturer's devices. I'm not sure what else I can do to troubleshoot with the Apple reps, but after spending upwards of $5000 with Apple in 2016, I can't help but to feel neglected.
Looks like we've got people reporting this happening with their Airpods as well. Only a matter of time now.
I recently bought the unlocked 7+ and was able to return my GSM 7+ to Apple. I've yet to have bluetooth skip, even once, with the unlocked 7+
While they never completely acknowledged the problem, by the time I got to the higher level support techs they were more than gracious to help me with my return.
While they never completely acknowledged the problem, by the time I got to the higher level support techs they were more than gracious to help me with my return.
I opened my case with Apple support less than a week after buying my 7 Plus, and have had it open now for 105 days. I should have returned mine when I had the chance. The regret and realization that support simply doesn't care is really starting to set in.
Were you still within your 2 week return window or were they willing to let you swap it out with a different model? Wondering because I'd love nothing more than to run my complaints up the chain of command if there's a chance that they'd swap it out with a CDMA version.
iPhone 7, t mobile, zero issues with cheap Amazon wireless headphones. Wife reports no issues with her cheap Amazon wireless headphones either with her 7+
She uses the 7+ in our dodge with zero issues.
I have an AT&T 7 Plus 128 GB (with latest released iOS), and the Bose QC35 wireless headphones (with latest firmware), and I have the skipping too.
I also have GN Resound Linx2 TS 62 STD RIC hearing aids which I can stream music to, and they do NOT exhibit the skipping, but...the hearing aids are also using Bluetooth Low Energy for streaming, which I would think means a different chip from the regular BT the headphones use.
While they don't skip, the phone needs to be kept within a few feet of the aids, of they'll start losing the signal, but, if I wear in a shirt pocket or even pants pockets it works fine.
I also have GN Resound Linx2 TS 62 STD RIC hearing aids which I can stream music to, and they do NOT exhibit the skipping, but...the hearing aids are also using Bluetooth Low Energy for streaming, which I would think means a different chip from the regular BT the headphones use.
While they don't skip, the phone needs to be kept within a few feet of the aids, of they'll start losing the signal, but, if I wear in a shirt pocket or even pants pockets it works fine.
I have read through the majority of this thread, as I have been having the same sort of issue. I have a 6+. This worked totally fine with beats wireless 2 since March last year. I do a lot of running so the BT was a better option than having a cable. I had read about people having problems with the BT dropping, but I never did. This was until the last iOS update. I am now unable to get through a full song. But I don't think the issue is with the BT. Songs stored on my phone play totally fine, no skipping or breaks at all. I have also found this in my car, again, connected through BT. When I play music from Apple Music, the dropping and skipping starts. It is so frustrating. Whilst Apple Music struggles to play the songs, I still receive notification sounds through my headphones, so they are still connected. If anyone has any suggestions, it would greatly be appreciated.
I just tested streaming from Amazon Music in my car. And I can report that I have nothing but skipping as well. I am always streaming from wifi in my home, and when I am in the car, I am playing songs stored on my iPhone. And I never have experienced any skipping issues. To me this is not a BT problem. So the issue sees to be the Intel chip. Apple will never admit to it.
No, it was a launch day GSM model. I had called in and reached upper level support with the Bluetooth problem but the guy I dealt with basically avoided my phone calls/emails and wouldn't give any updates. After not hearing anything for another month, I just called back in and asked to return my original phone. They gave me little to no hesitation since I had already purchased the Unlocked/CDMA model. My only problem was that I had already swapped the phone out once at the Apple Store to try and fix my issues. It took a couple of extra days for clearance, but the lady I spoke with called me back up and offered me a full refund.
I just set up a call for tomorrow to see what they say. I purchased mine full price as well so hopefully I'll get lucky and they will allow me to return mine so I can buy an unlocked CDMA version. Crossing fingers.
Wow
So the 6S does not have this issue? Complete BS
That is what i get for upgrading a perfectly great iPhone 6S Plus. Regret
So the 6S does not have this issue? Complete BS
That is what i get for upgrading a perfectly great iPhone 6S Plus. Regret
Just had the phone call and it apparently went really well. I told them my situation and that I wanted to return my GSM for a CDMA version and the lady said she would look in to it. Sat on hold for about 10 minutes and then she came back and said it wouldn't be a problem. I have an appointment at apple tomorrow to go exchange my phone for a CDMA version. We'll see how it goes.
As a follow up, my experience at the Apple Store was a rollercoaster. Showed up at the store with the naive expectation that this would be a painless process. the Genius asked what the issue was, I told him what was going on and that the phone representative told me that they would swap my GSM phone out with a CDMA version. His initial response was that there was no way they could do that. "Their system wouldn't allow it." After nicely going back and forth for a half hour about what the issue was and what was causing it, he ultimately agreed that it seemed that there was at least a chance that the GSM phone could be faulty and that swapping for the CDMA version was worth a shot to see if it fixed the issue.
The issue still persisted that because my phone had been swapped out, they wouldn't be able to do a return and allow me to purchase a new phone. The solution was to do a return using my online order number (not tied to the specific serial number of the original phone). The manager allowed me to do this and sold me a new unlocked CDMA 7 plus. Even though it was along process, I'm very glad it all worked out.
The best news is that it really does seem as though the CDMA version doesn't suffer from the bluetooth issues. I've been driving around without any skipping issues. I'll follow up in a week or so with a final conclusion.
The issue still persisted that because my phone had been swapped out, they wouldn't be able to do a return and allow me to purchase a new phone. The solution was to do a return using my online order number (not tied to the specific serial number of the original phone). The manager allowed me to do this and sold me a new unlocked CDMA 7 plus. Even though it was along process, I'm very glad it all worked out.
The best news is that it really does seem as though the CDMA version doesn't suffer from the bluetooth issues. I've been driving around without any skipping issues. I'll follow up in a week or so with a final conclusion.
I know you said you would follow up but I'm curious how its going with the cdma 7 plus?
I wanted to give it some time so I wasn't making any hasty conclusions. A week is probably long enough to conclude that it really did fix my skipping issue! I don't have the skipping/cutting out anymore.
I'm going to go back to the genius soon and let him know that there IS a difference between the CDMA and GSM versions of the 7+.
If you're having the issue and your phone is paid for them I'd definitely recommend trying to get it returned and then replaced with a CDMA version.
Tbats awesome that you were able to replace your phone with the CDMA version. Wish I could do the same. My GSM 7+ was purchased on lease. Apple can't do anything.
I can also confirm that I returned my AT&T model because bluetooth was constantly skipping and replaced it with the unlocked version that Best Buy sells for use on any carrier and no more skipping.
I called Apple yesterday to discuss my BT skipping issues. I explained how on wifi and streaming content located on my phone, I had no skipping issues but once I used DATA to stream form Amazon Music, I experienced nothing but BT skips constantly. The REP asked me to turn off data, and wifi and see if I could still connect to my BT speaker. I explained I could and was not sure what this test would prove. He explained that this proves BT is working fine. Well, I know BT is working fine. Works perfectly fine over wifi. I explained the situation to him again, and he decided to do a remote diagnostic test which of course showed my phone in perfect health. Since he could not do anymore he made me an appointment with the genius bar. He also said he has not heard of the bluetooth issue. I kindly directed him to this thread and the plethora of threads at apple. I do not have any hopes of getting my iPhone replaced with a CDMA version since I am on a GSM lease and do not believe apple can do anything other than replace my phone. Which of course won't solve the issue.
Because you're on lease, I think you're right. Not sure how they can return it. Fortunately I had purchased my phone outright so it wasn't an issue. It wasn't easy to convince them to let me "return" it but I was adamant and they ultimately agreed and made it happen.
I have been 100% happy with the BT quality since getting the CDMA version. I haven't had any of the issues I had with the GSM version. It's unfortunate that they aren't recognizing this issue and doing something about it.
Best of luck to you!
Have you tried streaming from DATA and not WIFI?
Well I have a Genius appointment tonight. I'd like for them to explain how they are going to fix the issue if I agree to replace my phone (I have apple care) and the problem persists. At that point, I won't accept another replacement and will either request a full refund or they are going to need to find a way to give me a CDMA phone.