iOS 18 Bluetooth Connection problems

I have the same problem connecting to my car Bluetooth after updating to the new iOS. Really annoying!

I am having the exact same issues with any Bluetooth headphone connected to my iPhone. All of this has occurred directly after the iOS 18 upgrade. It is very annoying and hope that there is a fix soon.

I’ve been having a problem when using my beats air buds that the audio pauses every time I get a notification or when my phone locks. Also having issues with my CarPlay playing music through the phone Bluetooth and sounds a little distorted and volume is extremely low. I wish they would fix this. Very annoying!

I'm having the same problem and it's the absolute worst. If I have to wait for the next update to listen to music on my phone, I might as well go back to the iPod. I've never been more frustrated. And as a music producer who plays files in his car to test the sound, this puts everything on a slow down and affects my business directly. I hope they can solve the issues soon. We can't be the only ones. This has to be getting a lot more people.

Please try this. It worked for me.

Turns out is was because the new feature Vocal Shortcut is turned on.

The issue was resolved when i turn the Vocal Shortcut off.

Settings > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts, turn it off.

Same here. All described. Also when I switch from CarPlay to Radio… says “feature not available.” Brand new AirPods4 with ANC pauses and resumes play once in a while. I have iPhone 13 Pro Max. My car is a Hyundai Tucson 2024 … just two months old. The Bluetooth issue started after iOS18 upgrade.

Perfect, I thought I was going insane and did everything but throw my phone and stomp on my AirPods! Update to iOS 18 they said, it has better updates they said, you have eye control they said….F that I just want to listen to my music without it pausing when I literally touch my phone! Apple please gonkulate a fix ASAP!

Same problem I’m having .. phone won’t connect to CarPlay or Bluetooth in my BMW this is beyond annoying and needs to be fixed asap !!

Apple, PLEASE FIX THIS ASAP!! iOS 18 was a bad move. Blood sugar monitor alarm goes off ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT and all Bluetooth devices no longer work because they refuse to stay connected to Bluetooth since the update. This is a nightmare on many levels and an epic Apple fail. Super disappointed.

A forced restart helps for about 30 mins then everything fails again. 😡

My Bluetooth audio has been lagging ever since the update. I am using Spotify, but I didn’t have this issue till the update.

Hi,

I have this issue since ios 17 and before ios 18 it wasn’t solved till I turn off the option in privacy->location services->networking and wireless and boom the problem solved.

Unfortunately, after ios 18 update the problem returns back even that option is turned off.

To describe the problem, it is a Bluetooth connectivity issue with random connect and disconnect procedure which becomes worse when the wifi is turned off and the phone is on cellular. For instance, you are listening to music and the phone rings, the Bluetooth goes off and the apple watch doesn’t ring after 5 second or the phone is connected to car player and after couple of seconds it connects automatically to the airpods.

I have reported this issue since ios 17 to apple but nothing changed. Hope to see an update to resolve this issue.

Best, Shayan

Same issues here too. CarPlay disconnects and won’t reload until I delete my phone and the reconnect at least two times before it sticks. Then the next time I am in my car I have to do it all over again!!!! Beyond frustrated!

iPhone 16 Pro/IOS 18 (22A3354) Bluetooth connection issue: Connects to my motorcycle and my BOSS stereo in my pickup, but refuses to connect to my 2018 Cadillac ATS-V. Upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro from my iPhone 15 Pro (IOS 17.6.1) which has never had a problem with the Cadillac. Short iPhone 16 Pro tests with wired CarPlay seem to be ok, but hands free is a no-go and a definite driver safety issue - Apple take Note! Let's get this fixed ASAP.

So, I spent over two hours trying to troubleshoot this issue today with Apple Tech Support. Completely wiped my phone and reloaded from backup with iOS 18. Nothing worked and the same issue with Bluetooth dropping out whenever I do or touch anything with the iPhone still exists. This will have to be a software correction via an update. As I am traveling I am not at home but I can only imagine that this will be screwed up on CarPlay as well. I am pretty disappointed that none of this worked and am hoping they correct this soon.

Hi, this issue has been occurring frequently since February this year, not only on iOS 18 but also on iOS 17. Currently, there isn’t a definite solution, but the following methods have worked for some users. You might want to give them a try:

• Try updating the firmware of the Bluetooth device you're connecting to. The update process varies for different devices, but you can search on Google for "xxx firmware update," which is often used to fix Bluetooth connection issues with headphones.

• Forget the connected device from the Bluetooth list and pair it again as a new device: Go to Settings - Bluetooth - tap on the connected device - Forget This Device, and then re-pair it. If it's CarPlay, you'll need to disconnect the iPhone from the car's Bluetooth settings.

• Check if there is an available iOS update and try updating to the latest version.

• Check if the related app has a new version available and update it to the latest version.

• Try resetting the network settings: Settings - General - Transfer or Reset iPhone - Reset - Reset Network Settings.

• Try turning off Vocal Shortcuts: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Turn Vocal Shortcuts Off.

• You can also try reinstalling the iOS system. Tools like 3uTools and ReiBoot are useful for system repairs.

• As a last resort, you could take your phone to the Apple Store to check if it’s a hardware issue. According to some users, after replacing a component at the Apple Store, the issue was resolved, and it cost around $50. Of course, it’s better to avoid replacing hardware if not necessary.

If you have any other solutions, feel free to share!

Here's a official guide on bluetooth accessories connection guide: Connect iPhone to Bluetooth accessories - Apple Support