GM Working On Software Update To Improve iPhone 5 Bluetooth Connectivity
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Over the last week, GM Authority has received several letters from iPhone 5 users outlining troubles when using the new Apple device with the Bluetooth connections of their GM vehicles. And earlier today, we confirmed with General Motors that the automaker is working on an update that will improve the Bluetooth connection of the iPhone 5 with select GM radio/infotainment units.
All of the letters sent to GM Authority’s tip box describe a successful initial pairing process and as-expected functionality for outgoing calls. Upon receiving an incoming call, however, the Bluetooth connection transfers the call from the Bluetooth speaker system to the iPhone itself (what is otherwise known as Privacy Mode). To continue using the hands-free Bluetooth system, users are forced to transfer the call back to the car.
Deleting and then repairing the device doesn’t fix the issue, which seems to be limited to the iPhone 5 — as all other (older) iPhones seem to continue working properly.
We can only assume that the update to be issued over-the-air via OnStar (as GM has done before), but have no information on the timing of the release.
Are you experiencing issues with your GM vehicle and iPhone 5? Sound off in the comments below.
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I have had the problem with the IPhone 5. The other problem is that when I get in the car and start it while already on the phone, it doesn’t transfer correctly. I have to transfer the call to the car then also.
I’m not sure if the address book has to download every time I start the car or if it is supposed to retain it in the system. If I try to make a call too soon after starting the car, it says “address book still downloading. Please try again later”. I didn’t have this problem in other cars. Is this normal for the Volt? Hopefully this will be different after the iPhone 5 onstar update?
Same issue here. No problems with my iPhone 4, but my iPhone 5 is being a culprit. Read several forums stating the sync contacts/ address book will resolve the issues, but have yet to try. Hope a fix goes OTA soon.
2013 Volt Owner with iphone 5. Incoming calls are routed to the iphone and not to the car speakers. I have to press transfer 2 times in order get the sound thru the car speakers. Very annoying please fix!
I am having trouble with the iPhone 5 in my 2012 Tahoe. Can’t wait for the update!!
I’m having the same issue including Pandora integration. Hope it gets fixed soon
I have an iphone 5c and the Pandora ap in the My Link system doesn’t work.
Can this be fixed?
2013 Buick Regal and iPhone 5 don’t mix. I’m dropping calls, cant pick them up, they’re ringing in the car and answering on the iPhone itself. Annoying to be in a hands-free state and have no way of avoiding the phone fumble. OnStar advisors know nothing of the problem and claim I need to talk to the dealer; the dealer says they don’t have a fix either and that it’s probably my phone. Bullpoop I say, my 2009 Pontiac paired fine with this very phone. As I’ve typed this short message, I’ve watched the Bluetooth reconnect with the car THREE TIMES.
Will not let me play the music stored on my iPhone 5 or let me use my phone
I have an iphone5 and am trying to pair it with my 2008 Cadiilac CTS. i press the the voice command button and say, “hands free”, the voice says, “hands free” also; it does not say hands free ready, but right away says “on-star ready” and will not take any commands (bluetooth, pair etc) that I tried giving. It finally hangs up on me, or I do… I have tried all of the suggestions from people online, but still can’t get past the onstar voice. Help!
Lynn – have you tried calling OnStar and asking for the update?
I’ll do that, thanks Alex.
What if you are not an Onstar member.
Have a 2013 Sonic RS Hatchback. Connectivity problems with iPhone4s since new. Taken to service five times to two different dealers. Radio replaced once. Dealer even had his droid phone lock up. What next?
I’ve called onstar from within the Cruze, and was transferred to GM support. The lady was helpful, but only told me iPhone 5 is not currently compatible. An update should occur at the first of the year, and pushed over the air when available.
I have a 2012 denali hd and a iPhone 5. This issue is very annoying!
This issue drives me crazy. I have called apple, GM, Onstar and they all say they can’t fix the problem. I think at the very least GM should tell people when they are buying their cars that they will not work with the iPhone. I have a 40k plus car and the bluetooth does not work!
Bill — I feel your pain.
The issue seems to be with new and different Bluetooth hardware/software stacks found on the iPhone 5. It’s still a new device, so I’m sure an update to GM’s systems is right around the corner. Just curious — when you called OnStar, what did they say?
Alex
I am in the same boat. Paid $40,000 for my Equinox in May. Car has been in for bluetooth problems where it just doesn’t work and can’t sync my phone to the bluetooth. Finally I am told it is my phone. They still are telling new buyers that the bluetooth works with Iphones. False advertising!
My 2012 silverado pairs, receives calls just fine and plays music through USB interface. My problem is “voice” dialing. I have to say the whole phone number out instead of the persons name (I really don’t remember everyone’s Dang number. I did get an update a couple weeks ago from your other post, but obviously not to fix this. It’s an iPhone 5. Saying “voice” instead of “dial” brings up Siri
I also have problems receiving phone calls in my 2013 Traverse via Bluetooth. Will we be notified by e-mail or something when an update is available?
I have a 2012 Holden Commodore, thought it might be unique to my phone, obviously not – obviously no fix in sight just yet?!
My Iphone 5 cannot find my 2010 Camaro to connect via Bluetooth. I never has this problem with my Iphone 4. Very frustrating.
Same problem here too with my 2013 Equinox. Also with Bluetooth on Siri will not work correctly. Turn by turn navigation seems to think its operating via Bluetooth but its not. Also all notification sounds turn off such as incoming text messages. No sound or vibration.
I have an iphone 4 and it doesn’t work with my 2011 Cadillac SRX using Onstar. It does connect but the incoming voice is so garbled you can’t understand the person calling you. Outgoing is fine. Is there a GM Firmware update for this? I called apple support and onstar support to report this but still doesn’t work. I think it has to do with ios 6.
I also have trouble with iphone 4 on cadillac sts. I can call out ok, but everyone says speech is too garbled to hear. On star calling is good, just no iphone.
I have a 2013 Chevy Volt and an iPhone 5. Same issue as defined in this thread. Very annoying to have an important call come through and have it directed to the iPhone. Doubling annoying when the call moves back and forth between the iPhone and the Volt speakers. Acing no experience with OnStar downloads, I’m wondering how I will know when this has happened.
Paul, I will try to get a status update from GM on this tomorrow.
2013 Volt, Iphone5 thru AT&T. Outgoing calls ar fine, most of the time. As explained in prior posts, incoming calls refuse to use the cars audio system. I can hear my phones ringtone thru the system fine, radio fades and mutes, climate control slows down, As soon as I answer the call the call goes directly back to the phone, radio and blower return as if no call was coming in.
Also occasionally, the bluetooth connection drops, have to either delete and pair again of shut off and restart the car. Very annoying.
Dealer said working as designed until a fix comes in from GM, AT&T and Apple say there are no updates from them in the works.
Hope this is fixed soon.
That is my exact issue as stated above with my new iPhone. My android had no problems with doing bluetooth in my vehicle. Please hurry and fix! This is driving me nuts – enough to think about exchanging my iPhone for a Galaxy!