The weird thing is that the static noise is present regardless the mode (anc/trasparency/adaptive).
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Airpods Pro 3 - ANC loud static white Noise?
- Thread starter Bud_Spencer
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All modes except "off" (if you count "off" as a mode). Which makes sense as the way ANC works is to essentially listen to the outside noise and then play back the opposite of that noise to cancel it out. That canceling out isn't going to be 100%, which is what leads to the white noise. My hunch is that the new microphones in the APP3 plus changes to the ANC algorithm is what is creating the white noise. Since Adaptive mode mixes transparency with ANC, that white noise would also be audible. I personally never heard it in transparency mode, but given that it also relies on microphones to pipe in outside audio, if the underlying issue is with the mics, it again would make sense for their to be white noise.
The only mode that doesn't involve the mics and/or the ANC algorithm is when everything is off.
I really hope Apple can figure something out, as the ANC in the APP3 is really, really good; but I fear that one of the reasons it is so good is because of the white noise drowning outside audio out. It really does fascinate me though that many (most?) people don't hear the white noise, or are at least not bothered by it.
I’d like to understand whether they’re all like this or only some models.
I’m still in time to replace them, but from what I’ve read, everyone who got a replacement experienced the same issue.
Some people say they don’t hear any static noise, so maybe it really is a hardware problem.
I’m still in time to replace them, but from what I’ve read, everyone who got a replacement experienced the same issue.
Some people say they don’t hear any static noise, so maybe it really is a hardware problem.
I also found the APP3 noise floor to be quite high. The white noise in quiet to moderately-quiet environments was very obvious and distracting to me – this was most obvious in Noise Cancelling Mode, but also clearly noticed in Adaptive & Transparency mode. Switching to Off Mode gets rid of the white noise entirely but leaves you with bog standard, unremarkable earbuds, so, not a permanent fix of course.
I visited the Apple Store and all diagnostics were normal, but the Specialist advised that Apple had directed them to exchange AAP3 for any users who reported the white noise, even if their diagnostics were normal – makes me think Apple are aware of the issue but haven't yet pinned down the cause... In any case, my second pair of APP3 had the exact same problem.
For now, I've returned them and will stick with my APP2 which have barely perceptible white noise, and their ANC is still excellent. Hopefully the APP3 noise floor is fixed in the future.
I visited the Apple Store and all diagnostics were normal, but the Specialist advised that Apple had directed them to exchange AAP3 for any users who reported the white noise, even if their diagnostics were normal – makes me think Apple are aware of the issue but haven't yet pinned down the cause... In any case, my second pair of APP3 had the exact same problem.
For now, I've returned them and will stick with my APP2 which have barely perceptible white noise, and their ANC is still excellent. Hopefully the APP3 noise floor is fixed in the future.
I tried 3 pairs and all had about the same noise of elevated white noise in quiet environments. It definitely is not a hardware issue unless all currently produced ones have the issue.
The latest firmware update didn’t change much for me.
…and the replacement set, made in Vietnam, also has the same noise problem as well as the not perfectly aligned lid. I wonder if I should wait a few months for the issues to be ironed out and buy again. The noise cancellation is excellent though. Helps me a lot at work.
On my APP3 the white noise is present also. The Airpods appear to react to the heart rate sensor (which might be „listening“ once they detect skin): Removing one Airpod silences the noise from the other one. Covering the heart rate sensor on the one that is out brings the noise back. So if both sensors are active the white noise is there.
Mine also have the whining noise (only!) when plugging them in.
Mine also have the whining noise (only!) when plugging them in.
This should've been a class-action lawsuit. AP1 here in mint condition. I never even wear them outside because I wear wired earphones when I exercise. I only use APP when listening to Binaural Beats in bed. All of a sudden white noise in left ear when using ANC/Transparency. Only solution is to switch to ANC off mode. I have the latest FW, brand new ear-tips, always clean with alcohol etc. Took them into the Apple Store today. They checked and confirmed both sides have errors in them.
Staff: Would you like to buy the AP3 since your AP1 are OOW?
Operator: FU
Staff: Would you like to buy the AP3 since your AP1 are OOW?
Operator: FU
I bought a set yesterday, there was a noticeable white noise/static sound with ANC on when listening to audio from a movie which isn't present with my other ANC headphones.
I recently purchased a pair of replacement memory foam tips from a random 3rd party on Amazon (https://a.co/d/iXE1cTY) - I wanted them Comply tips as they’re of fairly good quality, but they’re currently sold out, so I figured I’ve give these a shot - and they’ve actually made a huge difference.
The white noise is still slightly there, but significant less so than with the Apple tips, and I’m no longer getting occasional high pitched squeals from certain external sounds or when yawning.
TL;DR the main culprit (at least for me) is that the factory tips simply didn’t provide a good seal (and I tried all the sizes). I haven’t worn them in a loud environment yet, so hopefully the ANC hasn’t been compromised by the memory foam ear tips (they still sound good) - but I’ll know soon enough!
The white noise is still slightly there, but significant less so than with the Apple tips, and I’m no longer getting occasional high pitched squeals from certain external sounds or when yawning.
TL;DR the main culprit (at least for me) is that the factory tips simply didn’t provide a good seal (and I tried all the sizes). I haven’t worn them in a loud environment yet, so hopefully the ANC hasn’t been compromised by the memory foam ear tips (they still sound good) - but I’ll know soon enough!
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We’re now two months out and there have been no resolutions. A couple firmware updates with no improvement. Mac Geniuses offering replacements with no improvement.
more and more articles including from macrumors, Tom’s hardware, tech radar, BGR) (excluding the “bloodgate” posts which relate to the HR sensor issues)
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/29/airpods-pro-3-static-complaints/
https://www.tomsguide.com/audio/air...ting-static-sound-in-their-buds-how-about-you
https://www.techradar.com/televisio...a-distracting-static-problem-are-you-affected
https://www.bgr.com/2030924/airpods-pro-3-users-report-whistling-noise-despite-firmware-update/
more and more articles including from macrumors, Tom’s hardware, tech radar, BGR) (excluding the “bloodgate” posts which relate to the HR sensor issues)
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/29/airpods-pro-3-static-complaints/
https://www.tomsguide.com/audio/air...ting-static-sound-in-their-buds-how-about-you
https://www.techradar.com/televisio...a-distracting-static-problem-are-you-affected
https://www.bgr.com/2030924/airpods-pro-3-users-report-whistling-noise-despite-firmware-update/
I'm honestly not sure there is a solution, as I don't think there's actually anything wrong with them. Most people aren't hearing (or aren't bothered by) the white noise. The vast majority of reviews are extremely positive, and it seems that those having issues are a vocal minority.
In addition, not sure if you read my above post, but I bought some memory foam tips on Amazon, and that helped a lot with the white noise (it's still there, but far less pronounced and it doesn't really bother me). My guess is that the issue most people are having is that, with the Apple provided ear tips, the seal isn't perfect; and with how much more sensitive the AP3s mics appear to be, that not 100% seal is causing all of the various issues.
I could obviously be wrong, but given how most people seem to be having a positive experience, and the fact that the memory foam tips made a difference for me, my theory does seem to make sense.
I would assume that actually the opposite is true: The foam tips isolating better make the noise from the ANC more prominently audible as it better removes other noises. The only thing left then is that noise. It should fade away or rather be drowned out when there is media playing or especially in transparent mode.
This is a classic for the human ear as it becomes more sensitive the fewer noises there are. That is why you can hear every little sound in the hallway on a dead quiet night but at the same time you can walk around in the city and not be overwhelmed by all the traffic and city noise.
But even though ANC noise is normal it would still be a considerable design flaw if the Apple provided ear tips are what make it more audible. Of course in that case all Pro 3 units would be affected equally. Which... seems to be the case given that multiple replacements still have the issue for affected users?
The Pro 2 and all other Airpods with ANC as well as other ANC headphones have this noise too so the question to me seems: Are people upgrading from the Pro 2 affected as well? If they are then that must mean the Pro 3 have a much more prominent noise and the issue would then be very real.
I wonder if the affected users had Pro 2's and what they think of the static noise there. Because I would describe that noise as relatively loud compared to passive headphones with a cable and no electronics which of course have none of that.
This is a classic for the human ear as it becomes more sensitive the fewer noises there are. That is why you can hear every little sound in the hallway on a dead quiet night but at the same time you can walk around in the city and not be overwhelmed by all the traffic and city noise.
But even though ANC noise is normal it would still be a considerable design flaw if the Apple provided ear tips are what make it more audible. Of course in that case all Pro 3 units would be affected equally. Which... seems to be the case given that multiple replacements still have the issue for affected users?
The Pro 2 and all other Airpods with ANC as well as other ANC headphones have this noise too so the question to me seems: Are people upgrading from the Pro 2 affected as well? If they are then that must mean the Pro 3 have a much more prominent noise and the issue would then be very real.
I wonder if the affected users had Pro 2's and what they think of the static noise there. Because I would describe that noise as relatively loud compared to passive headphones with a cable and no electronics which of course have none of that.
Happened to me 4 times in a month.
Got both buds replaced 2 days ago, and it happened again on the next day, with both buds at the same time.
Perhaps it has to do with the sweat from my runnings, but it never happened to me with APP2.
I really believe it's design flaws, I don't think firmware update can change that.
Got both buds replaced 2 days ago, and it happened again on the next day, with both buds at the same time.
Perhaps it has to do with the sweat from my runnings, but it never happened to me with APP2.
I really believe it's design flaws, I don't think firmware update can change that.
Then that really does indicate there might be a major flaw with the Pro 3. I returned my launch day Pro 3 as they were worse than the Pro 2 with sound and comfort. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pro 3 turn out to be even more flawed. Thankfully I kept the Pro 2 and just went back to those. Some users claim Apple had nerfed the ANC on the Pro 2 but I noticed no such issues, these are still my favorite Airpods.