2023-2026 Audi iPhone Bluetooth/ASI Connection Failure TSB

Owners of 2023-2026 Audi vehicles using older iPhone models like the iPhone 8, iPhone X, or iPhone XR may encounter an Audi e-tron iPhone connection failure with their vehicle's Bluetooth and Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI). This issue manifests as image and sound cutting out during use or the telephone failing to connect automatically.

Symptoms

If you own a 2023-2026 Audi and use an iPhone 8, iPhone X, or iPhone XR, you might notice the following symptoms:

• Image and/or sound cuts out when using Bluetooth and/or Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI).
• The telephone does not reliably connect automatically to the vehicle's system.

These symptoms are typically reproducible only when using the affected iPhone models.

Technical Background

Analyses conducted by the smartphone manufacturer have revealed that the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi dropouts causing the Audi e-tron iPhone connection failure are due to a hardware issue within the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and iPhone XR models. These iPhone models have reached their End of Production (EOP) status, meaning the smartphone manufacturer will not provide a software or hardware remedy for this specific problem.

Workaround and Owner Action

Since the issue stems from the iPhone hardware and no direct fix is available from the smartphone manufacturer, Audi recommends a workaround for owners experiencing this problem. The primary solution is to use CarPlay via a USB cable as an alternative to wireless connections.

To implement this workaround effectively, follow these steps:

1. Use a USB Cable: Connect your iPhone to your Audi using a USB cable. Audi recommends using a genuine Audi Accessories USB cable for optimal performance.
2. Disable Wi-Fi on MMI: If you previously had the Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI) set up for wireless connectivity, you must switch off Wi-Fi on your vehicle's MMI (Multi Media Interface). If Wi-Fi remains active, the system may still attempt to transmit data wirelessly, even with a cable connection, leading to the same issues.
3. Reset Connection: Delete your smartphone from the MMI's connected devices list, and also delete the Audi MMI connection from your iPhone's Bluetooth settings. Then, set up the ASI connection again, ensuring you use a USB cable and that Wi-Fi is deactivated on the MMI.

Additionally, ensuring your iPhone has the most up-to-date iOS version installed can be helpful, though it will not resolve the underlying hardware issue.

Important Note on Warranty

It is crucial to understand that attempting to replace parts or perform repairs to address this specific Audi e-tron iPhone connection failure will not resolve the problem. Such actions are not covered under warranty, and any unjustified work or replacement parts will be charged back.

Source: NHTSA ID 11026251