Multiple reports from owners of the new iPhone 16e claim that Bluetooth audio keeps dropping out — but there appears to be a fix on the way.
In what appears to be a repeat of the 2018 issues with the iPhone XS, an unknown number of iPhone 16e users are consistently having audio connectivity issues with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. It appears to be much more widespread than the iPhone XS issue, and may be related to having multiple Bluetooth accessories connected at the same time.
Some iPhone 16e users are experiencing Bluetooth audio issues, with audio stuttering or cutting out when streaming to a Bluetooth speaker. The problem persists after updating to iOS 18.3.2 and may be related to connecting to multiple Bluetooth accessories simultaneously. pic.twitter.com/X3a0739b7x
— Marius Fanu (@mariusfanu) March 13, 2025
As well as assorted reports on Twitter, affected users have been taking to Reddit and Apple’s support forums to find solutions. Some users report that Apple Stores have accepted their reports and replaced their devices without question, but this does not fix the problem.
Others variously report that the problem can be fixed by switching off other Bluetooth connected devices such as Oura smart rings or FitBit. That’s not a practical solution, but it does suggest that there may a software solution.
That’s backed up by one Reddit user who claims that the issue is resolved in the iOS 18.4 beta, which was released to developers on March 10, 2025.
Apple has not commented on the issue, and based on our calls this morning, the problem does not appear to be universal. If it’s correct that iOS 18.4 resolves it, then users will be able to update to the full release at some point in April.
As always, our advice remains that if you are impacted by an issue, report it to Apple support or service channels. Apple does not take action based on social media reports, and relies solely on their own internal metrics.
