Bluetooth connectivity issue with iPhone 16 Pro on iOS 18.2

I've had issues with bluetooth devices since 18.1.1. I first saw it on my iPhone 13 Pro Max, just after installing 18.1.1. I've had connection issue with everything between my Ford SYNC stereo to my Beats Fit Pros. Then a couple of weeks ago, I upgraded my phone to 16 Pro Max, which is now on ios 18.2. I'm still having frequent issues with bluetooth connections.

Often times, it will show that the device is connected, but it will not let me switch audio to it. Other times when I try to connect from Settings > Bluetooth it just spins and then says it was not able to connect.

Normally, the only thing I can do is restart my phone to clear everything. Although, last night, I was able to turn off bluetooth on the phone for several minutes, and once I turned it back on, I was able to connect to my Beats Fit Pros again. So, that makes me wonder if simply turning off BT and turning it right back on doesn't give it enough time. You have to actually turn it off for a longer period.

In any case, this bluetooth fiasco has been incredibly annoying.

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

Have you talked to Ford about the issue. A poster I worked with this week with Bluetooth issues in his Dodge Ram had to get his Uconnect updated.

Uconnect is the name Dodge gives to the linking service. Similar to SYNC and it needed an update that the dealer couldn’t perform. You might want to investigate with your Ford dealership and Ford Corporate service.

Beats may be a separate issue. Do you know if your beats product is updated to latest firmware?