Experiencing Bluetooth issues with your iPhone 16e? You're not the only one, and a solution may be on the way.

      Apple

      If you're having trouble with your Apple iPhone 16e maintaining a connection to Bluetooth devices like speakers and headphones, you're not the only one. Since the release of iOS 18.3.2, many users have turned to social media and Reddit for solutions. The situation now mirrors what happened in 2018 with the iPhone XS, but it seems to affect a larger number of users.

      Reports indicate that audio through Bluetooth experiences stuttering, causing music to pause briefly several times during a song. This issue does not seem to be linked to a specific device, as users continue to face problems even after exchanging their iPhone 16e for a new one.

      Various solutions have been suggested, with many users pointing to the use of multiple Bluetooth devices as a potential cause. One user mentioned that disabling their Oura Ring resolved the issue, while another found that asking the iPhone to "Forget this device" stopped the audio problems.

      Some iPhone 16e users have claimed that the iOS 18.4 beta has fixed the issue, indicating that the root cause may lie within the device's software. If this is accurate, individuals currently affected by the problems may simply need to wait for the official launch of iOS 18.4 in April.

      For now, those experiencing Bluetooth connectivity issues should report the problems to Apple Support. If you want an uninterrupted music experience, it's advisable to disable any unnecessary Bluetooth devices, as this solution has shown some reliability so far.

      You could also choose to join the iOS 18.4 beta; however, as with any beta, it could potentially introduce other issues. In any case, we do not recommend performing a factory reset, as other iPhone 16e users have tried this without success, and it may not be worth the hassle given there's no guarantee it will work.

      Patrick Hearn covers smart home technology, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Apple’s potential foldable iPhone could come with a significant price tag.

      The project for Apple's foldable iPhone has largely stayed within the realm of speculation. However, industry insiders and analysts occasionally provide insights. The latest forecast from Ming-Chi Kuo is not promising.

      In his recent investor communication, Kuo projected a price range between $2,000 and $2,500 for Apple's folding phone in a book-style design. In comparison, Samsung’s flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, is priced at approximately $1,900.

      An iPhone 17e may be on the horizon, but will we see an iPhone 18e?

      Though the Apple iPhone 16e is still newly released, a tip from Fixed Focus Digital suggests that an Apple iPhone 17e is almost certain. For context, Fixed Focus Digital was the first to propose the "16e" name when many—including us—predicted it would be named iPhone SE 4.

      Continuing the "1xe" naming convention makes sense. With the apparent discontinuation of the "SE" series, the 16e and future models are well-positioned to fill that gap. Fixed Focus Digital shared their insights on Weibo, stating, "I see 17e there. The digital e-series is not a short-lived model." The original message was not in English, so translation inaccuracies should be considered.

      iFixit provides a solid reason for purchasing the iPhone 16e.

      Those who buy the newly launched iPhone 16e are likely to keep their devices for a longer duration. This budget-friendly phone meets the needs of many users, especially those who prioritize reliability over the latest high-end features. Consequently, we have been eagerly awaiting iFixit's repairability score to determine how this new phone stacks up against other models in the iPhone 16 lineup, and the results are now available, revealing some surprises.

      Firstly, the good news: the iPhone 16e, which replaces the iPhone SE 3, has done away with the physical home button. This change is significant from a repair perspective, considering traditional home buttons tended to be problematic, often suffering from dust and water damage, and their built-in biometric authentication components complicated self-repair efforts for users. By removing the home button, Apple has enhanced the overall design of its entire iPhone and iPad lineup.