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Some iOS 4 users complain of Bluetooth bug with iPhone 3GS, 4 handsets

Ok, this has to be the part where someone at Apple finally slams their head against the desk and wishes to just go home and snuggle up with a blanket and a cup of cocoa for the rest of the day.

Per AppleInsider, some users of iOS 4 on both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS say their handset has constantly dropped wireless Bluetooth connections with both headsets and in-car systems.

Numerous users contacted the publication to report a number of problems specific to iOS 4 with Bluetooth connectivity. A number of people who upgraded their iPhone 3GS found that their phone’s Bluetooth became problematic, even though it worked fine before the iOS 4 update. And others who bought a new iPhone 4 have encountered some of the same issues.

“Nearly every time I’m in my car the iPhone disconnects from the built-in Bluetooth system,” one reader with an iPhone 4 wrote. “This never, ever happened with my 3G phone. I have a case number with AppleCare and they refuse to acknowledge the problem or replace the phone, even after having the problem persist after downloading a fresh copy of IOS 4, reinstalling the software and setting the phone up bare with no other apps. Could this be another antenna problem?”

In numerous threads on the official Apple Discussions forums, users have shared similar problems (1, 2, 3, 4).

Users have said that their Bluetooth connections will sporadically drop after the two devices are successfully paired. Others can connect, but are met with a message that says “no media found” when trying to play music. And some said they have experienced muffled voices when placing a call over Bluetooth.

A number of users on the forums noted that the recent iOS 4.0.1 update did not fix the Bluetooth issues. The minor update featured a cosmetic fix that changed how the iPhone reports bars of signal strength.

The Bluetooth pairing issues are said to exist across a range of devices, including vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, car stereos from Pioneer and Alpine, and headsets from Motorola and Jawbone.

Some said they have fixed the problem by resetting the phone’s settings. This can be done by launching the Settings application, choosing General, Reset, and Reset All Settings. Interestingly, the same fix was said to work for some who experienced issues with the proximity sensor on the iPhone 4. Apple has said it is working on a software fix for the proximity sensor problems with the iPhone 4, but has made no mention of the reported Bluetooth problems.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available and if you’ve seen this issue from your end, let us know.

7 replies on “Some iOS 4 users complain of Bluetooth bug with iPhone 3GS, 4 handsets”

I DONT CARE ABOUT THE 4.0….I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO USE MY 4 3G IPHONES, WHICH JUST RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT OUR 4 3G IPHONES THEY COME OUT WITH THE NEW GLORIOUS 3GS WHICH BEFORE IT CAME OUT THEY SAID THERE WOULD BE NO NEW IPHONE FOR A FEW YEARS!! WHICH WAS A LIE BY BOTH AT&T AND APPLE! THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE 3GS THEY COME OUT WITH THE 4.0???? WHAT HAPPENED TO CUSTOMER LOYALTY? LIKE AN IDIOT I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT AND APPLE MACBOOK, WHICH I REGRET DOING BECAUSE I COULD HAVE USED THAT MONEY TO BUY 4 NEW CELL PHONES TO REPLACE OUR 3G PHONES THAT DONT WORK!!! I AM FURIOUS! AND FRUSTRATED!!

Same here. Also, the internal mic does not always deactivate when switching to BT or wired headphone-mic. This results in poor voice quality and interference.

I have to add my voice to the chorus.

Intermittent dropout of the bluetooth connection on my Plantronics Discovery headset. It wasn't very noticeable on OS 4, but the 4.0.1 update seems much worse.

I had the same issue with a BlueAnt car speakerphone. Set an appointment with the Genius Bar, who did an in-store “hard” reset, while hooked up to their computer. When done, the phone's ID said it's owner was FRS. Once I brought it home and restored from my computer, everything, including bluetooth has been working perfectly. All I can say, is give it a try. YMMV

I have the same problem w/ my 3GS and Pioneer head unit. The phone paring works fine but the iPod paring either gets lost or sounds distorted and slow. Did a complete wipe and setup for the 4.0.1 update, same problem.

I have an iPhone 4, with OS 4.1, and must say it is working just as it should with BluAnt handsfree system. It is my firm belief that pundits keep “overblowing” so-called issues of reception, wi-fi, and bluetooth when they should instead be recounting how this device can enhance one's productivity at home and/or in the workplace. It is the BEST iPhone to date!!!

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