Less than a month after its release, the iPhone SE is already under fire for its audio issue over Bluetooth phone calls.
According to MacRumors, iPhone SE users have reported an issue with Bluetooth phone calls when the smartphone is paired with a vehicle or wireless headset.
Some users claim that the issue extends to GPS voice navigation for some, but streaming music over Bluetooth appears to be unaffected so far.
Those who already got their hands on Apple’s latest smartphone took their concerns to the Apple Support Communities and MacRumors discussion forums.
One certain user claimed that he experienced distorted, staticky, or inaudible phone calls when using the device over Bluetooth. Many users noted that previous iPhone models didn’t have this issue.
However, some reports claim that this issue is not unprecedented. In early October 2014, some users experienced trouble pairing their devices to their car audio system over Bluetooth after upgrading to iOS 8 or purchasing a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.
The problems had been fixed after Apple released iOS 8.1 later that month.
Apple World notes that this certain issue does not appear to be isolated as some customers have reported identical issues with the audio system in their cars in the past.
Gadgets TV reports that the Bluetooth audio bug also affects a variety of in-car infotainment systems from different car makers including Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Apple has yet to give a statement on the current issue the iPhone SE is facing and it remains unknown if the problem is rooted in the device’s software or hardware.
The Bluetooth bug is said to affect almost all of the iPhone SE users running on iOS 9.3 or iOS 9.3.1 versions, particularly those in the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and the UK.
Reports claim that the latest iOS update, the iOS 9.3.2 beta, does not solve the issue with Bluetooth phone call.
Users who have called Apple Support claim that their concern has been escalated to higher-level iOS advisors that asked for log files.
Also, fewer customers received confirmation that Apple engineers are aware of the Bluetooth issue on the iPhone SE and are already working to fix it.
A number of customers, however, claimed they have attempted basic troubleshooting without success.
This includes restoring the device, resetting network settings, un-pairing and re-pairing Bluetooth, toggling cellular data, and changing SIM cards.
Value Walk notes that it’s fairly common for new smartphones to have certain issues as this normally happens when Apple and its contenders Samsung, LG, and others release a new device.
The company is expected to make a statement regarding the Bluetooth bug or release a patch that can fix the bug very soon.
Apple’s latest smartphone was unveiled last March 21 and was released to the retail markets 10 days later. iPhone SE, which stands for Special Edition, serves as a replacement for iPhone 5S as a lower-cost entry in the high-end iPhone series.
The device was initially called as iPhone 4C but was not the tech giant’s newest flagship device. The Cupertino-based company is still set to unveil its latest flagship phone, the iPhone 7, at their annual event this September.
The device mimics the size, shape, and design of the iPhone 5S, adopting the 4-inch display. The only difference between the two are the color options.
The iPhone SE comes in the same color variations as the iPhone 6S models, including space gray, gold, and rose gold finishes. The latest addition to the iPhone series also has matte chamfered edges and a stainless rear Apple logo.
The tech giant stated that cases designed to fit the iPhone 5S will also fit the iPhone SE as the two smartphones have the same dimensions.