Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Several iPhone X Owners Experiencing 'Crackling' or 'Buzzing' Sounds From Earpiece Speaker
A limited but increasing number of iPhone X owners claim to be experiencing so-called "crackling" or "buzzing" sounds emanating from the device's front-facing earpiece speaker at high or max volumes.
Over two dozen users have said they are affected in a MacRumors discussion topic about the matter, while similar reports have surfaced on Twitter and Reddit since the iPhone X launched just over a week ago.
On affected devices, the crackling sounds occur with any kind of audio playback, including phone calls, music, videos with sound, alarms, and ringtones. The issue doesn't appear to be limited to any specific iPhone X configuration or iOS version.
"Love the phone but I was wondering if anyone has had any issues with the speakers slightly sounding a little crackling whenever max volume," said one MacRumors forum member with the alias ShadowYYZ. "Noticeable on certain songs and even my ring tone which was bought from the iTunes Store."
For those unaware, the iPhone X's earpiece doubles as a speaker that combines with the traditional speaker at the bottom of the device to deliver stereo sound. Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 series also have stereo speakers.
MacRumors hasn't been able to reproduce the issues described. Apple didn't immediately respond to our request for comment on the matter.
While the sounds could be the result of distortion, especially since they occur at higher volumes only, several users are convinced that there could be a bigger software or hardware issue affecting the earpiece.
"I listen to a lot of music on the speakers of the iPhone X and I noticed the slight crackle right away," replied another MacRumors forum member who goes by the username Benz63amg. "Since so many of us seem to experience this crackle then my assumption is that it's software related rather than hardware."
A few months ago, several iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus owners experienced a similar "static noise" issue with the earpiece during phone calls. Apple acknowledged the issue and fixed it in iOS 11.0.2.
Since the crackling sounds on iPhone X don't appear to be limited to phone calls, it's unclear if the issues are related.
Apple has been replacing affected iPhone X units free of charge, according to customers who contacted the company. Apple also appears to be collecting diagnostic information so that its engineers can investigate the matter, as it routinely does with any potential software or hardware issues.
Like the green lines affecting some iPhone X displays, this is an isolated issue affecting a very low percentage of the millions of devices being manufactured. The majority of iPhone X owners do not appear to be affected.
If you experience this problem, we recommend booking a Genius Bar appointment with the Apple Support app or contacting Apple via phone, email, online chat, or Twitter to have your iPhone X replaced. Apple is known for providing good customer service, and it is often genuinely helpful in these situations.
Over two dozen users have said they are affected in a MacRumors discussion topic about the matter, while similar reports have surfaced on Twitter and Reddit since the iPhone X launched just over a week ago.
On affected devices, the crackling sounds occur with any kind of audio playback, including phone calls, music, videos with sound, alarms, and ringtones. The issue doesn't appear to be limited to any specific iPhone X configuration or iOS version.
"Love the phone but I was wondering if anyone has had any issues with the speakers slightly sounding a little crackling whenever max volume," said one MacRumors forum member with the alias ShadowYYZ. "Noticeable on certain songs and even my ring tone which was bought from the iTunes Store."
For those unaware, the iPhone X's earpiece doubles as a speaker that combines with the traditional speaker at the bottom of the device to deliver stereo sound. Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 series also have stereo speakers.
MacRumors hasn't been able to reproduce the issues described. Apple didn't immediately respond to our request for comment on the matter.
While the sounds could be the result of distortion, especially since they occur at higher volumes only, several users are convinced that there could be a bigger software or hardware issue affecting the earpiece.
"I listen to a lot of music on the speakers of the iPhone X and I noticed the slight crackle right away," replied another MacRumors forum member who goes by the username Benz63amg. "Since so many of us seem to experience this crackle then my assumption is that it's software related rather than hardware."
A few months ago, several iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus owners experienced a similar "static noise" issue with the earpiece during phone calls. Apple acknowledged the issue and fixed it in iOS 11.0.2.
Since the crackling sounds on iPhone X don't appear to be limited to phone calls, it's unclear if the issues are related.
Apple has been replacing affected iPhone X units free of charge, according to customers who contacted the company. Apple also appears to be collecting diagnostic information so that its engineers can investigate the matter, as it routinely does with any potential software or hardware issues.
Like the green lines affecting some iPhone X displays, this is an isolated issue affecting a very low percentage of the millions of devices being manufactured. The majority of iPhone X owners do not appear to be affected.
If you experience this problem, we recommend booking a Genius Bar appointment with the Apple Support app or contacting Apple via phone, email, online chat, or Twitter to have your iPhone X replaced. Apple is known for providing good customer service, and it is often genuinely helpful in these situations.
Related Roundup: iPhone X
[ 424 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
23 months ago
Just because you can turn it up to 11 does not mean that you should turn it up to 11.
23 months ago
Thank you early adaptors for guinnea-pigging
I love mine, so you are very welcome!
23 months ago
If you experience this problem, we recommend booking a Genius Bar appointment with the Apple Support app ('https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044?mt=8') or contacting Apple via phone, email, online chat ('https://getsupport.apple.com/'), or Twitter ('https://twitter.com/applesupport') to have your iPhone X replaced. Apple is known for providing good customer service, and it is often genuinely helpful in these situations.
23 months ago
I just played some Taylor Swift songs on max. It sounded awful, but no crackling!
23 months ago
Thank you early adaptors for guinnea-pigging
I’ve bought every single iPhone at launch. Can’t say I regret owning any of them “early.”
Thank you to those (such as yourself) who think that buying early is some kind of grave error. Makes it easier for the rest of us to get our new phones!
23 months ago
Wow, I can understand display problems because they're using new (to Apple) tech, but audio problems? C'mon, they should have this tech licked by now.
23 months ago
It’s not a new iPhone until we find a gate! Where’s the iPhone X gate?
you cant see it? the price is the gate.#pricegate
ordered it anyway :D
23 months ago
Thank you early adaptors for guinnea-pigging
These types of statements have no credibility. I have owned plenty a first GEN devices that have never had problems. And just because you read about some issues on a tech forum, doesn't mean that everybody in the world is experiencing those issues. It's just reported here, because that's where others congregate to discuss what other issues they have located with their phones too. Technology is not perfect regardless if it's a first GEN device.
23 months ago
But let’s stick it on the front page because it will be a good way to get clicks on a Sunday. :rolleyes:
I don't think there's anything wrong with highlighting the issue, even if it is isolated.Apple had to outright fix a similar issue with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in iOS 11.0.2…
There were several users commenting about why MacRumors hasn't covered this story yet, so clearly we can't please everyone.
Good point, headphones are more common but the fact that we are on page 7 or 8 of this thread and we can't even get MacRumors to report on it is crazy
[ Read All Comments ]
Microsoft today announced the launch of a beta version of its upcoming Microsoft Edge browser, which is available today for Windows and macOS users.
Previously, the Microsoft Edge browser was...
In an email to developers today, received by MacRumors, Apple has announced that apps marked as having "Frequent/Intense Simulated Gambling" will be rated 17+ in all countries and regions...
Apple Music today launched an all-new playlist of emerging songs that are receiving the most shazams around the world, called the "Shazam Discovery Top 50." The playlist will be updated every...
Best Buy has returned this week with a new set of discounts on the Apple Watch Series 3, offering up to $175 off of select models. In the sale you'll find GPS + cellular versions of the 2017...
Yubico, a company that makes physical security keys for two-factor authentication, today announced the launch of its Lightning-based YubiKey device that's designed to work with Apple's...
Bill Stasior, Apple's former head of Siri development, has joined Microsoft as corporate VP of technology, reports The Information.
Starting this month, Stasior will lead an artificial...
Earlier this summer, Mophie announced and launched a new line of Juice Pack Air cases for the iPhone XS and XS Max, which promise to add extra hours of battery life to your iPhone while providing...
After offering a look at its upcoming streaming service Disney+, and announcing a bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu, Disney today confirmed the devices that will support Disney+ at launch. For Apple device...
