iPhone 17 Pro Max BT Headphones Distortion?

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Level 1

4 points

iPhone 17 Pro Max BT Headphones Distortion?

I've had my iPhone 17 Pro Max and AirPod Pro 3s since launch, and I've been noticing that I'll have sound quality issues while playing games and my sound becomes really distorted. The problem goes away when I open up my list of apps, and then go back into the game, but doing that every 3-5 minutes is very annoying.

I've noticed a couple of things:

Issue is narrowed down to my iPhone, since I actually get this issue using both my Gen1s and Gen3s of the AirPod Pros. Haven't tried with something like another a third-party set of BT headphones.
Issue seems to only happen while gaming; this goes for the big titles like HSR/ZZZ/Wuthering Waves, but no issues with smaller games, which lead to:
Seems to be temperature based; I've noticed that I have less sound distortion issues while playing outside in the cold.

I'm wondering if anyone else has this issue, or if it's just me and my phone having a defect. I never had this issue with my iPhone 13 Pro Max before.

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 16, 2025 4:10 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 16, 2025 4:20 AM in response to AquaMagicks

Bluetooth interference can potentially cause connectivity issues due to the disruption of the wireless communication between devices. Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range, which is also used by various other devices such as Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, cordless phones, and even some baby monitors. When multiple devices are operating nearby and using the same frequency band, interference can occur.

To mitigate Bluetooth interference issues and reduce stuttering:

Minimize the number of active Bluetooth devices near each other. Switch off or move away from devices that are not in use or causing interference.
Increase the distance between your Bluetooth devices (e.g., your iPhone and Bluetooth speaker/headphones) to reduce the impact of interference.
Keep your devices' firmware up to date, including your iPhone and any Bluetooth accessories. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can improve the performance and stability of Bluetooth connections.
Objects like walls, furniture, or large metal surfaces can obstruct Bluetooth signals and contribute to interference. Ensure a clear line of sight between your devices to optimize signal strength.
Some Bluetooth devices allow you to manually switch to different channels within the 2.4 GHz range. Check the user manual or settings of your Bluetooth accessory to see if you can change channels to find a less congested one.
If your Wi-Fi router supports it, consider using the 5 GHz frequency band for Wi-Fi connections instead of 2.4 GHz. This can reduce potential interference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals.

By implementing these steps, you can help minimize Bluetooth interference and improve the overall performance of Audio.

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