One of the biggest problems with the iPhone, in my opinion, is that the iPhone doesn’t support Bluetooth Stereo out of the box. At least that is true at this moment in time. The iPhone technically has the ability to natively support Bluetooth Stereo, Apple just decided not to support it and essentially turned the ability off. I I’m sure they could turn it on with a little programming.

Don’t worry, with a simple and inexpensive accessory, it’s not that hard to jerry-rig it and have full A2DP/AVRCP Bluetooth Stereo Support.  Essentially what needs to happen is you need to have two different Bluetooth connections to your iPhone from the Bluetooth Stereo Headset.

The first connection is directly to the iPhone for Mobile Communications.
The second connection, for stereo music and music control, is through a Bluetooth Stereo adapter.

My personal preference for a Bluetooth Stereo adapter is an Odio iA50. I bought it with my Oakley O ROKR Pro Bluetooth Stereo Sunglasses. However, you can do it with pretty much any “Made for iPod” Bluetooth Stereo adapter with Dock Connector. I’ve also done this with an icombi AP 21.

Pairing a headset with an iPhone for Music:

Note: If you have already paired your headset to the iPhone for mobile communications, be sure to turn the Bluetooth setting to the off position on the iPhone. Once you have completed the following steps you can turn it back on. 

  1. Press and hold the Call Button on the left stem of the O ROKR until the indicator light on the inside of the right stem turns solid red.
    (Review your headsets manual for instructions on how to enter pairing mode.)
     
  2. Connect a Bluetooth Stereo adapter to the docking port of the iPhone.
    If, like me, you are using an odio adapter make sure the “Hold” switch is off.
     
  3. An “Airplane Mode” Alert will appear on the iPhone as shown below.
    Select “No”, to continue using the iPhone as normal. It’s okay it will all still work.       


     

  4. After a few moments the odio or icombi adapter will automatically pair with the O ROKR. 
    This may vary if you are using some other 3rd party adapter. 

 

Download the tutorial (in PDF format) here: iPhone Bluetooth Stereo Pairing.pdf
The PDF of this tutorial includes additional screen shots to make it even easier.