2015-2024 Audi MIB3 Bluetooth Connection Issue with iOS 16

Owners of 2015-2024 Audi models equipped with the MIB3 infotainment system may encounter difficulties establishing a Bluetooth connection with iPhones running iOS 16.0.x. This issue, documented in Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 22 45 2068435/1, specifically affects the ability to use hands-free phone calls, Bluetooth audio streaming, and Apple CarPlay.

Symptoms

If your Audi MIB3 Bluetooth iOS 16 connection is problematic, you might experience the following:

• Your vehicle states: "No Bluetooth connection to the vehicle can be established."
• Hands-free phone calls are not functioning.
• Bluetooth audio player does not work.
• Apple CarPlay fails to connect or operate.

Technicians have confirmed that no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored in the vehicle's system related to this issue. The problem is consistently reproducible in a workshop setting and is exclusively observed with Apple devices running iOS 16.0.x.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi MIB3 Bluetooth iOS 16 connection problem is identified as a software malfunction within Apple's iOS version 16.0.x. This software glitch introduces restrictions on the Bluetooth connection, preventing proper communication between the iPhone and the Audi MIB3 system.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued specific instructions regarding this third-party software issue:

• "No repair is available at this time." Audi dealers cannot perform a repair for this concern.
• "Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied." Attempting vehicle repairs for this issue will not resolve the problem and may not be covered.
• "Instruct the customer that this condition is due to a software issue of the iPhone, and therefore cannot be repaired by Audi." The problem originates from the iPhone's operating system, not the Audi vehicle.
• "This concern is due to a third-party system and is not covered by any Audi Warranty." Owners should be aware that any costs associated with troubleshooting or attempting to fix this issue will not be covered by Audi's warranty.

Workaround Steps

While no permanent Audi-side repair is available, a workaround can help re-establish your Audi MIB3 Bluetooth iOS 16 connection. You should also regularly check for and install iOS updates on your iPhone, as future updates may resolve the underlying software malfunction.

To attempt to resolve the connection issue, follow these steps:

1. Delete Existing Pairings: On your iPhone, delete the pairing to your Audi vehicle. Simultaneously, delete the phone pairing from the MMI system in your Audi via the Connection Manager.
2. Clear Phone Bluetooth Settings: Go into the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and ensure the Audi pairing is completely removed.
3. Re-pair Your Device: From your iPhone, initiate a search for Bluetooth devices. Select the correct Audi MMI system when it appears and confirm the connection within your vehicle.
4. Check Bluetooth Visibility: If you still face issues, ensure that Bluetooth visibility is enabled on your Audi vehicle through the MMI's Connection Manager settings.

What Owners Should Do

If you are experiencing issues with your Audi MIB3 Bluetooth iOS 16 connection, first ensure your iPhone's operating system is updated to the latest version. Apple frequently releases software updates that may contain fixes for such compatibility problems. If the issue persists, follow the workaround steps provided above to delete and re-pair your device. Since this is an Apple software issue, Audi dealerships cannot perform a repair, and it is not covered under Audi warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID 10227012