Multiple iPhone SE Users Report Audio Problems Using Bluetooth

The new iPhone SE might have a Bluetooth audio problem based on what some customers are reporting on Apple’s support forum, as some users have claimed audio on their phones “sound robotic and distorted, as though there is corruption in the Bluetooth data stream.” Rumors suggest that Apple support has taken the issue up with their engineering teams, which will hopefully lead to a fix.

AppleInsider has collected samples of complaints from the forums, one of which states “I’ve been working with a high level support person who has assured me he is working directly with engineering.” And “Apple has very much become engaged in this issue. They have had me do extensive testing of various conditions in order to document and troubleshoot.'”

Some iPhone users are unable to listen to music on a PC with Bluetooth because the computer does not recognize the driver. Other more common instances include issues using Bluetooth in the car, as another forum member claims to have had poor audio quality with phone calls and describes one phone call as “extremely scratchy and distorted.”

One commenter suggests clearing the operating memory helped the issue.

1. Press and hold the power button for more than five seconds until you are offered to switch the device off or cancel.

2. Release the power button, don’t switch the device off, but rather press and hold the home button for more than five seconds until the home screen reappears.

The problem only seems to be affecting Bluetooth phone calls, while in-car, and not streaming music. Another forum member suggests that there might be interference with the Wi-Fi radio and Bluetooth, and disabling the Wi-Fi radio on a nearby phone seemed to fix her issue.

There is of yet no official word about the problem from Apple. It’s possible the software is bugged or there could be faulty hardware in the iPhone SE. Speculation is all that customers have at this point. Hopefully Apple can find out what is causing the problem and fix it sooner rather than later as they usually do.

Learn More: iPhone SE Video Review

Have you experienced any of these issues on your iPhone SE? Let us know in the comments below!