Loop Destabilises other Bluetooth connections using iPhone 14 Pro or newer

[OliNix]

Issue Report available

Describe the bug
I have noticed that Loop destabilises all of my other Bluetooth connections (Apple Watch, AirPods, Car Stereo, car handsfree, etc.). The connection will either become intermittent (audio breaks up/stops, watch becomes out of sync) or the connection completely severs (car stereo says searching for Bluetooth device) to other accessories.

It is especially bad when Loop is issuing commands to the pump (Omnipod Dash in my case).

As soon as I quit Loop from the app switcher, all connections are immediately restored.

Attach an Issue Report
Issue report attached.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Connect phone to other Bluetooth accessories (audio is easiest to identify issue)
2. Open loop and send bolus command
3. Audio will break up on accessory
4. Sometimes the connected accessory will report a complete loss of connection

Expected behavior
Loop should not adversely affect other Bluetooth connections; Audio should stream correctly, Apple Watch should stay connected, etc.

Screenshots
N/A

Phone

• Hardware: iPhone 14 Pro
• OS Version: iOS 17.6

Loop Version

• Version Number: v3.4.1
• Repo: LoopKit/Loop (fork: OliNix/LoopWorkspace)

CGM

• Device: Libre 2
• Manager app: xDrip4iO5 (v5.3.3)

Pump

• Manufacturer: Omnipod
• Model: DASH
• Firmware version: 4.10.0

Additional context
I initially thought that it was a device issue, so had my iPhone 14 Pro replaced under insurance. Issue still occurred after replacement.

Issue also tested on an iPhone SE (Gen3) and iPhone XR (Both Bluetooth 5.0), and the issue did not occur. This leads me to believe that it is linked to something to do with the iPhone 14 Pro using Bluetooth 5.3. If this is the case, then an iPhone 14/14Plus/14ProMax/15/15Plus/15Pro/15ProMax should also be able to recreate the issue.

[OliNix]

Loop Report 2024-08-21 10_43_24+01_00.md

[marionbarker]

I have not noticed disturbances with my iPhone 15 pro. My typical Bluetooth device is airpods listening to podcasts.

I use Dexcom G7 with the Dexcom app.

[OliNix]

I have not noticed disturbances with my iPhone 15 pro. My typical Bluetooth device is airpods listening to podcasts.

I use Dexcom G7 with the Dexcom app.

In order of stable to unstable I find it is:

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (only noticeable if a notification comes in and I can see both devices - I will see it on iPhone and then my watch will alert a minute or so later)
• AirPod Pro 2 (barely noticeable, if I am playing music and unlock my phone, there is a momentary pause - I wouldn't notice on a podcast or any discontinuous audio streams, I.e podcasts, spoken word, audio books)
• Car Stereo music streaming (only usable if I quit Loop)
• Car Handsfree (unusable)

My AirPods Pro 2 connection is the most stable, but still effected. The symptoms with AirPods are slightly different, where they seem to pause for ~0.5s on phone unlock.

I suspect that this is because they utilise the Bluetooth 5.3 protocol.

The issue is more prevalent with Bluetooth connections to older devices. Derived from my car stereo in the most unstable, and I estimate it is Bluetooth 4.0.