Audio Glitches Plague New iPhone 16e Users
Just a week after its launch, Apple’s iPhone 16e is facing significant challenges that are leaving early users seeking solutions. Discussions on platforms like the Apple Discussion Forum and Reddit have accumulated over 60 comments and more than 100 “Me too” responses about a persistent audio glitch: audiophiles using Bluetooth headphones are experiencing notable stuttering during playback, with interruptions lasting one to two seconds across various tracks.
Apple Acknowledges the Issue
A user from the Apple Discussion Forums mentioned that they’ve flagged this audio problem to Apple’s engineering team by installing a troubleshooting profile on their malfunctioning device. Despite speculation that Apple may be developing its proprietary Bluetooth/Wi-Fi chip for future models, the current iteration of the iPhone 16e continues to rely on components sourced from Broadcom.
Limited Impact of Recent Updates
This week, a software update—iOS version 18.3.2—was rolled out by Apple, but many affected users reported no improvement post-installation. While some individuals received replacements from local support centers, they found the same audio issues persisted with newer devices, suggesting these problems stem from software rather than hardware defects. Though reports of similar glitches have surfaced regarding other iPhone models, it appears far less frequent compared to those encountered with the new release.
A Common Trigger Identified
The community has begun to note specific conditions under which this audio glitch occurs: instances of stuttering in sound quality seem prevalent when an iPhone 16e is simultaneously connected to another Bluetooth device—a fitness tracker or an Oura ring being common culprits noted among forums participants.
Anticipated Fix in Upcoming Software Release
Many forum contributors are optimistic about an imminent resolution as discussions hint at fixes being included in the slated release of iOS version 18.4. Particularly encouraging feedback arose from beta testers who exhibited no connectivity issues while using this forthcoming version.
This article translates and adapts insights originally featured in Macwelt’s German publication.