Issues with iPhone 7 and BMW ConnectedDrive

Just a few days after the release of the iPhone 7, a forum called MacRumors has shown posts from BMW owners have been having issues with the BMW ConnectedDrive. This is apparently happening for both the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The issues range from audio cutting out to connectivity issues with infotainment systems.

BMW users have reported that they were able to stream music for about 5-10 seconds only and then the ConnectedDrive system just freezes. Even after restarting the iPhone and reestablishing connection, the issues continue to happen and there are quite a few models where this is happening.

Here is a post form MacRumors reader YachtMac: “My iPhone 7 Plus with iOS 10.0.2 will not stream audio for more than a few seconds in a BMW 4 series with the latest multimedia software. I have researched the issue and others with BMWs and other makes seem to be experiencing the same or similar streaming issues. Moreover, once the fault occurs the mobile telephone connection then becomes flakey as well. The only thing I can do is to disable the audio streaming option in order to have a phone that works in the car as a phone.”

Apple Support Communities member Chandy911 said: “I just upgraded to an iPhone 7 Plus running iOS 10.0.1 and I am having issues playing music through Bluetooth on BMW ConnectedDrive. I’ve upgraded the BMW software on my car to the latest version from BMW’s website, but I still get disconnected on Bluetooth after about 5-10 seconds after playing music. I’ve tried to restore the phone and set it up as a new phone. I’ve deleted the connection both on the device and car, but the issue persists.”

MacRumors reader PorscheRain says: “iPhone 7 in 2015 BMW 235i disconnects from Bluetooth after steaming audio for 10 seconds. Once disconnected, iOS no longer sees the vehicle’s Bluetooth source. The only recourse is to forget the device in Settings and repair with the vehicle. I’ve isolated iOS as not the key issue (iPhone SE works fine on the same iOS 10.0.1, so did my prior iPhone 6s). Apple had me swap out the device at the store; the same thing is occurring on the new iPhone 7.”

BMW has acknowledged the concerns and issued this statement: “We are aware of the concerns you speak of and we are currently working directly with Apple to ensure iPhone 7 compatibility in our vehicles. At this time, the Apple iPhone 7 is not an approved device for our vehicles until testing has completed. We do not currently have an estimated time frame regarding the completion of iPhone 7 testing. Please continue to look for an update from Apple for a new iOS and our update website to help resolve your concerns: www.bmw.com/update. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.”

BMW owners are recommended to update to the latest version of ConnectedDrive to lessen issues. BMW cars with CarPlay do not seem to be affected.