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iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Static Speaker Noise While Charging
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I have the same 17PM - I did hear it once - but only charging with MagSafe. Never happened with usbc cable only. Then again - I haven’t noticed it with MagSafe any more either….
It’s just doing late night studying for the Monday exam in the Necronomicon 101 course 😂
This is something I have experienced with my 14 Plus. I found that turning off stereo recording fixed it.
I’ve had this issue with my 17 Pro Max since day one and couldn’t figure out what was causing it, or even find anyone talking about it at the time.
I first noticed it while lying in bed scrolling through Reddit and Twitter while the phone was charging. My volume was turned all the way down, but I kept hearing a very obvious static/buzzing noise coming from the speaker. It wasn’t loud, but it was noticeable enough that I double-checked to make sure my volume was actually lowered.
I probably wouldn’t have noticed it in a noisier environment, but lying in bed in complete silence it was extremely noticeable.
I first noticed it while lying in bed scrolling through Reddit and Twitter while the phone was charging. My volume was turned all the way down, but I kept hearing a very obvious static/buzzing noise coming from the speaker. It wasn’t loud, but it was noticeable enough that I double-checked to make sure my volume was actually lowered.
I probably wouldn’t have noticed it in a noisier environment, but lying in bed in complete silence it was extremely noticeable.
The Air was a before/side effect for the real thing which will unFOLD this fall/autumn.
17PM 512gb - also same problem while charging with multiple different cables. the sound doesn’t seem to be coming from the speaker but the actual charging port. goes away the moment you unplug the cable. and can worsen/gets louder while scrolling. it is very subtle though and only noticeable when scrolling on the phone in silence without sound.
I just noticed this sound now on my 17PM. I’d heard it many times before but assumed it was just some noise from outside, like rain or something. It truly is quite faint and can only hear it in the dead of night when scrolling.
It's been making the noise for me from day 1 when charging. Launch day iPhone 17 Pro 256GB, UK.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners are having trouble with the speakers of their devices, and have complained about a static or hissing noise that occurs when the iPhone is charging.
There are multiple discussions about the issue on Reddit, the MacRumors forums, and Apple's Support Community, where affected users say there is a noticeable static noise "like an old radio." Some people report hearing it when playing audio and turning the volume down, while others say the static is audible without anything playing from the speakers. In some cases, there is a low crackle or a hiss when scrolling through webpages when the iPhone is charging, and some people hear the noise at low volumes even when the iPhone isn't on a charger.
Affected users report that the noise can be heard with chargers of all types, including Apple's official chargers. MagSafe charging causes the problem as well, but users report that the static noise is quieter. Unplugging the iPhone from the charger eliminates the sound for users who are experiencing the static noise when charging.
Some iPhone 17 Pro users have exchanged their devices for new ones, but have run into the same issue.
One Reddit user has been in contact with Apple support, and says the issue has been forwarded to Apple engineers. Apple is apparently working on a fix, but the iOS updates that have been released so far do not appear to solve the problem. The sound is subtle according to most reports, so it may be a widespread issue that only those sensitive to the noise have noticed.
Article Link: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Static Speaker Noise While Charging
I've been getting it when unlocking / syncing / updating via my MacBook since iOS 26.1 even with using the thunderbolt 5 cable.
Pro Max 2TB Silver
Pro Max 2TB Silver
Want to added another report. I caved and got a 17PM early November. I noticed it literally the moment I attached usb-c to power during setup. Cable that came with it. Plugged into the new fancy dynamic power brick (40 watts that does up to 60).
I lived with it as I figured maybe software might fix. And it didn’t happen for mag safe (that I noticed). Then at beginning of December, I had horrible audio problems without AirPods on. Similar to the occasional crackling I get on my work M1 Pro MacBook Pro sometimes. (On and off issue for a while now).
Hard reboot of 17PM didn’t fix. And happened with any app. It was so bad, I got a replacement. Though, oddly, the crackling while playing audio on device just stopped right before replacement arrived.
Replacement 17PM has the charging noise too. So I suspect this is something common enough. Thankfully it’s only the annoying noise when plugged into usb-c. So far, no crackling when playing back audio with device speakers.
Sound reminds me of the noise you sometimes hear if you put your ear next to some power bricks. Though I always thought that was related to transformer and whatever electronics are there for AC to DC.
Unless you experience the audio crackling when playing back using device speakers, I’m guessing it’s not worth trying to swap for a replacement device. Not unless ya got some minor cosmetic flaw that nags at you (replacement had zero cycles on battery and was flawless. Guessing brand new and not refurb. Still in window where likely get new over refurb.)
Oh. I will note that the replacement came with iOS 26.1. The noisy charging sound did improve, somewhat, after updating to iOS 26.2. But it’s still there. Just not as loud. Obviously that’s not a large enough sample size/testing to say something was mitigated with the 26.2 update.
I’m a senior iOS dev. I’ve have/had MANY iPhones. Usually get a new pro every year. I don’t recall any phone ever having this particular issue before. But I bought the very first iPhone. Stood in line. I’ve seen many issues over the years. Just not this one.
I lived with it as I figured maybe software might fix. And it didn’t happen for mag safe (that I noticed). Then at beginning of December, I had horrible audio problems without AirPods on. Similar to the occasional crackling I get on my work M1 Pro MacBook Pro sometimes. (On and off issue for a while now).
Hard reboot of 17PM didn’t fix. And happened with any app. It was so bad, I got a replacement. Though, oddly, the crackling while playing audio on device just stopped right before replacement arrived.
Replacement 17PM has the charging noise too. So I suspect this is something common enough. Thankfully it’s only the annoying noise when plugged into usb-c. So far, no crackling when playing back audio with device speakers.
Sound reminds me of the noise you sometimes hear if you put your ear next to some power bricks. Though I always thought that was related to transformer and whatever electronics are there for AC to DC.
Unless you experience the audio crackling when playing back using device speakers, I’m guessing it’s not worth trying to swap for a replacement device. Not unless ya got some minor cosmetic flaw that nags at you (replacement had zero cycles on battery and was flawless. Guessing brand new and not refurb. Still in window where likely get new over refurb.)
Oh. I will note that the replacement came with iOS 26.1. The noisy charging sound did improve, somewhat, after updating to iOS 26.2. But it’s still there. Just not as loud. Obviously that’s not a large enough sample size/testing to say something was mitigated with the 26.2 update.
I’m a senior iOS dev. I’ve have/had MANY iPhones. Usually get a new pro every year. I don’t recall any phone ever having this particular issue before. But I bought the very first iPhone. Stood in line. I’ve seen many issues over the years. Just not this one.
If Apple aren't going to repair or replace the pro max speakers, I do wonder if the bottom left speaker will last 3/4 years on these phones. Hopefully they will address this with a responce
Thanks for your careful scientific testing and description of the results. This is the approach that's needed to objectively diagnose issues like this.Detailed report: iPhone 17 PM Static/Buzzing Noise (Charging vs Unplugged) + Audio Proof
Hi everyone,
I’ve been owning an iPhone 17 Pro Max since late November (256GB, Silver, eSIM). I can confirm I am also experiencing these static noise issues (buzzing and sometimes high-pitched squealing/whining). I noticed it from day one, even before reading about this widespread issue online.
For reference, the noise is audible in a quiet environment and is roughly as loud as the system audio would be at "2 clicks" up from zero volume.
That being said, the system volume setting itself has no influence on the loudness of the static noise. It remains at a constant volume whether the phone is set to 0%, 50%, or 100% (provided there is no other louder audio playing to mask it).
Charging behavior:
I hear it very distinctly when the battery is charging (usually limited to 80%). I want to clarify that I exclusively use high-quality chargers: Anker Prime Charger 250W + Anker cable, or the official Apple brick and cable.
Triggers:
The static is audible in many situations when the phone is under load:
It doesn't seem linked to network features (Cellular, WiFi, BT) as the static persists and sounds identical even in Airplane Mode.
- Waking the screen for 1-2 seconds.
- Simply scrolling through Home Screen pages.
- Most virulent scenario: Doom-scrolling on Reddit for a few seconds.
- Worst case: Opening a video on Reddit in Mute mode and scrubbing the timeline/slider back and forth (see my audio files below).
Source of the noise:
To corroborate other reports: the signal comes mainly from the bottom-left speaker area. If I cover it with my finger, the noise becomes almost inaudible. I say "almost" because the top earpiece speaker seems to emit the noise as well, though it sounds more subtle and less aggressive there.
Unplugged behavior:
Beyond charging tests, I also tested the device while running on battery. To my surprise, the static does not disappear completely. It is present but at a much lower level that I hadn't consciously noticed before. But it definitely exists in both scenarios.
Audio Proof / Replication:
I recorded this using the Apple Voice Memos app while scrolling Reddit and scrubbing muted videos. Listening to these recordings at max volume undeniably confirms the presence and nature of the electrical interference.
File 1: Phone charging (80%), Reddit navigation:
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.voca.ro
File 2: Phone unplugged at the beginning of the audio, Reddit navigation:
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
Hoping this helps advance the understanding of the problem. Thanks for reading.
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Thanks for your reply.
I have conducted a few more tests since my initial report, specifically using a USB-A to USB-C cable. Unfortunately, the result is identical to the USB-C to USB-C setup: the noise is still present and loud.
I don’t have a MagSafe charger to test, but it is possible (as some sources suggest) that the static is quieter or even inaudible with that charging method.
I also want to clarify (answering some other comments) that this is not noise leaking directly from the USB-C port components (coil whine). If I carefully cover the speaker grille (and only the grille) with my finger, the static becomes practically inaudible. So it is definitely being driven through the speaker driver.
I’ve also refined my observations by testing new apps. For instance, with SoundCloud, swiping between songs triggers very high-pitched sounds (squealing/whining) while tracks are loading.
It is audible to the point where, even at 4-5 volume clicks, I can hear it over the music as the track starts. It is particularly irritating when listening to music at low volume, like in a quiet room at night.
Finally, the Anker App is also particularly aggressive, producing loud static at regular intervals.
New Audio Proof (Comparison)
I recorded 2 new unaltered clips using Voice Memos. Listen at max volume to hear the difference.
Trend: Noise intensity is High/Irritating (USB-C & USB-A) >> Low (Unplugged)
File 1: USB-C to USB-C Charging (80% battery) using Anker Prime Charger 250W + Anker cable (results are identical with a USB-A cable or the official Apple charger + Apple cable):
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
voca.ro
File 2: Unplugged (Running on Battery, 80% charge):
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
voca.ro
Test Conditions (Triggers)
In the audio files above, I performed the following actions which reliably trigger the interference:
- Reddit App: Mute-scrubbing videos (classic trigger).
- App Store: Scrolling the "Arcade - All Games" tab (triggering auto-play videos).
- SoundCloud: Swiping between songs while paused. This specifically triggers the high-pitched squealing/whining.
- Anker App: Produces aggressive, rhythmic static interference.
Thanks again for reading.
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Just got a brand new 17 Pro Max and noticed this immediately. It's not even hard to hear, even when the Phone is idle on my desk. When playing a game while charging especially it is terribly noticeable. Pissed off. Debating a return and sticking with my 14 Pro Max for another year.
I’d like to add that my contribution alone is unfortunately not enough.
What is sorely missing is data from those who claim (sometimes quite vehemently) to not have this issue. I am willing to believe them in good faith, but it is frustrating that they don't seem willing to provide actual proof.
It would take less than 5 minutes to record a 1-2 minute Voice Memo in a quiet room while charging and scrolling through apps (like Reddit), then upload the .m4a file to a site like Vocaroo and post it here.
This simple act would allow those of us suffering from this static to know if "clean" batches actually exist, and help us decide if we should push for replacements with Apple. But apparently, 5 minutes is too much to ask.
So much for Internet solidarity in 2026...
Did you send this to Apple Feedback?Thanks for your reply.
I have conducted a few more tests since my initial report, specifically using a USB-A to USB-C cable. Unfortunately, the result is identical to the USB-C to USB-C setup: the noise is still present and loud.
I don’t have a MagSafe charger to test, but it is possible (as some sources suggest) that the static is quieter or even inaudible with that charging method.
I also want to correct a vague point in my initial report: the static seems to come exclusively from the bottom speaker (left side, since the right side is the microphone), and not from the top earpiece.
I also want to clarify (answering some other comments) that this is not noise leaking directly from the USB-C port components (coil whine). If I carefully cover the speaker grille (and only the grille) with my finger, the static becomes practically inaudible. So it is definitely being driven through the speaker driver.
I’ve also refined my observations by testing new apps. For instance, with SoundCloud, swiping between songs triggers very high-pitched sounds (squealing/whining) while tracks are loading.
It is audible to the point where, even at 4-5 volume clicks, I can hear it over the music as the track starts. It is particularly irritating when listening to music at low volume, like in a quiet room at night.
Finally, the Anker App is also particularly aggressive, producing loud static at regular intervals.
New Audio Proof (Comparison)
I recorded 2 new unaltered clips using Voice Memos. Listen at max volume to hear the difference.
Trend: Noise intensity is High/Irritating (USB-C & USB-A) >> Low (Unplugged)
File 1: USB-C to USB-C Charging (80% battery) using Anker Prime Charger 250W + Anker cable
(results are identical with a USB-A cable or the official Apple charger + Apple cable):
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
File 2: Unplugged (Running on Battery, 80% charge):
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
Test Conditions (Triggers)
In the audio files above, I performed the following actions which reliably trigger the interference:
(Apologies for the background airplane noise in the recordings).
- Reddit App: Mute-scrubbing videos (classic trigger).
- App Store: Scrolling the "Arcade - All Games" tab (triggering auto-play videos).
- SoundCloud: Swiping between songs while paused. This specifically triggers the high-pitched squealing/whining.
- Anker App: Produces aggressive, rhythmic static interference.
Thanks again for reading.
I am also positive that the people who say that don't have it, do have the crackling noise.
Ive seen people here who first claimed they didn't have, somehow later do notice it when the charge for example went to 80% and playing a song.
The noise differs depending on what the state is, sometimes soft or louder.
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No.
To be honest, I have no intention of adding just another grain of sand to the pile, joining the many users who have been ignored or dismissed by Apple for nearly 4 months now (whether through their online feedback or in person at Genius Bars).
Instead, I am placing my hopes in collective intelligence and user collaboration on forums like this one. I know, that might be asking (or hoping) for too much, but that is my approach right now.
You probably do have it but it’s not something u can hear out loud I have exchanged 4 17 pro max and all 4 had it including the one I have now.