No you have it you probably just think u can hear it out loud but it’s only at low volume and you gotta be really close to the speaker 4 different 17 pro max and all have it even co workers phone has the same bs.
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iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Static Speaker Noise While Charging
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Are you keeping the 17 pro max and just dealing with the issue? I would like the pro max but worried about this issue and the long term damge of the speaker
Update: MagSafe Testing Results
Here is a follow-up to my previous reports, following the purchase of the official Apple MagSafe Charger released last September (Qi 2.2, 25W, 1m model).
The Good News:
The result is identical to the "unplugged" mode.
The electrical interference is not amplified by the bottom speaker and remains at the lowest possible level.
As a reminder, the static noise is technically always present (even unplugged), but at this floor level, it is audible only in a completely silent environment with your ear pressed against the speaker. Apart from perhaps lying in bed with the phone 10cm from your face (and even then...), I cannot see any concrete real-world scenarios where it would be heard.
Conclusion:
Charging via MagSafe is currently the only known workaround to use the phone while charging without experiencing these audio nuisances.
On the existence of "defect-free" units:
My investigations continue, but I maintain the opinion that all units are currently affected by this issue to some degree.
My stance will not change until someone provides concrete proof to the contrary, beyond a simple "mine works fine" comment.
The required proof remains the same:
A 1 to 2-minute Voice Memo recording made in a silent environment while navigating through different apps (especially SNS like Reddit), with the phone:
P.S. Of course, this process relies on the good faith and honesty of those providing the evidence, in a spirit of community collaboration and mutual help.
Here is a follow-up to my previous reports, following the purchase of the official Apple MagSafe Charger released last September (Qi 2.2, 25W, 1m model).
The Good News:
The result is identical to the "unplugged" mode.
The electrical interference is not amplified by the bottom speaker and remains at the lowest possible level.
As a reminder, the static noise is technically always present (even unplugged), but at this floor level, it is audible only in a completely silent environment with your ear pressed against the speaker. Apart from perhaps lying in bed with the phone 10cm from your face (and even then...), I cannot see any concrete real-world scenarios where it would be heard.
Conclusion:
Charging via MagSafe is currently the only known workaround to use the phone while charging without experiencing these audio nuisances.
On the existence of "defect-free" units:
My investigations continue, but I maintain the opinion that all units are currently affected by this issue to some degree.
My stance will not change until someone provides concrete proof to the contrary, beyond a simple "mine works fine" comment.
The required proof remains the same:
A 1 to 2-minute Voice Memo recording made in a silent environment while navigating through different apps (especially SNS like Reddit), with the phone:
- Charging via a standard/high-power USB-C charger.
- Battery fully charged (anywhere between 80% and 100%, it doesn't matter).
P.S. Of course, this process relies on the good faith and honesty of those providing the evidence, in a spirit of community collaboration and mutual help.
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TLDR: Happens to my 17 Pro Max when plugged in. Only way to hear it is to have ear within 2cm or closer to the phone. Isn't going to change my usage/enjoyment of the phone. Very interesting!
17 Pro Max here.
How very interesting! Initially I was prepared to write a big post about how my 17 Pro Max did not have this as I'm very sensitive to small noises. I saw the barely watched Youtube video and smirked. Then I read the article several times and ... ok why not, I'll give it a try.
I leave my phone plugged in while I'm at home because my car with a bluetooth key is directly below me so my phone doesn't get to sleep and flatline the battery drain. (Apartment with garage right under). So since the 15 Pro Max, I just have an Anker MagSafe battery with a tiny USB cable for my phone when I'm at home so it's always plugged in - set to a max charge of 80%.
So, I open Youtube.
I hit play, and ... turn the volume all the way down. I bring the bottom part of the phone and rest it directly on my ear.
I can hear it.
I unplug my Anker MagSafe battery and the sound instantly stops (despite it MagSafe wirelessly charging my phone). I plug my phone back in and to get it to start back up again, I have to hit play on the YouTube video to get the sound to start back up.
Going back to Home Screen - sound stops instantly despite still being plugged in.
Observations: Despite having very sensitive years and ALWAYS being plugged in, I've never noticed this until I rested the phone on my ear and hit play (and turned down volume almost all the way).
Hitting play on a silenced video - I have to have my ear within 2-3 cm of the bottom of the phone to hear this. And this only happens when plugged in.
Sound happens when wired to my Mac, to the wall, to an Anker battery with a tiny little USB C cable, to a surge protector + Anker charger, to an Apple MacBook charger ...
But again... I only hear it when my ear is within 2 centimeters of the phone. Seems like electric interference from charging port and it doesn't impact the quality of the speakers for me when playing things from the speaker.
17 Pro Max here.
How very interesting! Initially I was prepared to write a big post about how my 17 Pro Max did not have this as I'm very sensitive to small noises. I saw the barely watched Youtube video and smirked. Then I read the article several times and ... ok why not, I'll give it a try.
I leave my phone plugged in while I'm at home because my car with a bluetooth key is directly below me so my phone doesn't get to sleep and flatline the battery drain. (Apartment with garage right under). So since the 15 Pro Max, I just have an Anker MagSafe battery with a tiny USB cable for my phone when I'm at home so it's always plugged in - set to a max charge of 80%.
So, I open Youtube.
I hit play, and ... turn the volume all the way down. I bring the bottom part of the phone and rest it directly on my ear.
I can hear it.
I unplug my Anker MagSafe battery and the sound instantly stops (despite it MagSafe wirelessly charging my phone). I plug my phone back in and to get it to start back up again, I have to hit play on the YouTube video to get the sound to start back up.
Going back to Home Screen - sound stops instantly despite still being plugged in.
Observations: Despite having very sensitive years and ALWAYS being plugged in, I've never noticed this until I rested the phone on my ear and hit play (and turned down volume almost all the way).
Hitting play on a silenced video - I have to have my ear within 2-3 cm of the bottom of the phone to hear this. And this only happens when plugged in.
Sound happens when wired to my Mac, to the wall, to an Anker battery with a tiny little USB C cable, to a surge protector + Anker charger, to an Apple MacBook charger ...
But again... I only hear it when my ear is within 2 centimeters of the phone. Seems like electric interference from charging port and it doesn't impact the quality of the speakers for me when playing things from the speaker.
I do not. Interference happens all the time. And I only get the crackle when I'm playing audio with the sound all the way down and I ONLY notice it when my ear is almost pressing the bottom of the phone - the moment I close the app doing the audio - no crackling. 99% of what I do is with AirPods anyway so... life goes on for me.
Those of us old enough remember being able to tell when we were getting GSM cellphone calls because our PC speakers would make loud noises when cellphone calls came in. lol.
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An addition to my post above... I can BARELY hear something when MagSafe wireless charging ... (went to the quietest room in the house). I have to smash the phone against my ear and it sounds like a higher pitched ticking.
Disclaimer: I'm 40 years old and my hearing ain't perfect.
What's the consensus on the severity of this issue? I have been sitting on the sidelines wanting to upgrade to 17 Pro, but I am extremely sensitive to stuff like coil whine. Would it drive me nuts?
I’m in the same boat I’ve got a pro max and a base 17 and Im just not sure as I can’t upgrade every year
To answer this question and address your concerns, it really comes down to your specific usage patterns.
Scenario A: The "Standard" User / The "Carefree" User
If you only charge your phone at night and use it unplugged throughout the day, honestly, you will likely never experience these nuisances. The static is not audible in real-world conditions (even in quiet rooms) unless the phone is plugged into USB-C while in use.
To be fair, given the exceptional battery life of this model (especially the Max/eSIM version) and the very fast charging speeds, most users can easily avoid using the device while it is tethered to a cord. This is likely why a large number of users remain unaware of the issue relative to the volume of units sold.
Scenario B: The "Sedentary" User / The "Battery Preserver"
However, if you have a more stationary usage style (keeping it plugged into a desk charger while working, or connected to a power bank on the couch to "baby" the battery and save cycles during heavy tasks (gaming, streaming, SNS)) it is a different story.
In these scenarios, typically in quiet environments (like at night), the interference sounds like an old radio crackling in the background. It is aggravating. After two months of experiencing this, I haven't gotten used to it; on the contrary, it tends to exasperate me more over time.
Workarounds:
Sure, one could argue that using AirPods (Pro) neutralizes the noise for the user (though a person sitting next to you on the couch might still hear it), or that MagSafe acts as a viable alternative (as I reported earlier, it does not amplify the static). These conditions do mask the nuisance effectively.
The Verdict:
Nevertheless, this remains an unacceptable design and/or manufacturing flaw for a flagship object at this price point. Apple's silence on the matter is frankly disheartening.
From a personal standpoint, it is all the more regrettable as this was my upgrade from an iPhone 6s Plus after 10 years of loyal service (yes, I am a walking Reddit meme). I was prepared to keep this model for a very long time, and in absolute terms, I find it excellent in every aspect except for this issue.
I continue to wait and hope that Apple will provide a solution in the coming months (software, hardware repair, or a silent recall with a clean batch), but truthfully, I don't have much faith. I also don't have the energy to spend my life arguing at a Genius Bar, especially if I'm told it's "normal" or that they "can't hear anything."
Conclusion:
We'll see where things stand by summer. There is a probability that I will sell or trade this in for an iPhone 18 Pro Max, hoping it will be free of this type of defect.
But spending money again when I intended to keep this model for 5 or 10 years is neither my habit nor something I will do with a glad heart.
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As I've been saying on the other thread on this subject (https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...eaker-when-charging-cable-plugged-in.2466927/) I am struggling to replicate this issue on my 17PM. I just can't hear anything at all, could it be, if indeed ALL 17 Pro models have this issue, that the volume varies and in some cases is just not audible?
It's very ... very ... very quiet. I have sensitive ears (I'm told) and I had to hold the phone - up to my ear and press it into my ear to hear it. Holding it 1-2 inches away from my ear - I can't hear anything. It has to be in a completely quiet room and 1-2 centimeters from my ear.
The way to replicate this is to open a YouTube video, turn down the volume to 100% silent, then hold the bottom of the phone up to your ear (the bottom left speaker grill). The phone has to be plugged into a power source. You can also hear slight popping and static noises (while plugged in) if you press the phone HARD into your ear while it's charging and plugged in - getting the speaker as close to your ear drum as possible.
Even in my youth, when I could hear electrical whine from charging bricks - I don't think I would have heard this unless my ear was within inches of the phone.
Most users aren't going to notice this or care. It has not impacted my usability of the phone and I didn't notice it until I read this article. And I'm not going to give it another thought moving forward.
So would you say you can only really hear it if the device is in your hand while charging via cable like the inches of distance some others have mentioned, or can you hear it charging on a desk while you work?
As I have reported and documented (via audio files) in my previous posts, the static noise becomes audible when the following conditions are met:
- Environment: Relatively quiet/silent (indoors).
- Power Source: Charging via USB-C.
- Load: Using apps that put the phone under "stress" (in practice, almost anything: SNS, games, streaming).
- Distance: Standard viewing distance (phone in hand, approx. 30 cm / 12 inches from your face).
When these conditions are met, the perceived volume of the static can reach an equivalent of 10% to 30% of the system volume at its peak.
(By contrast, when unplugged or on MagSafe, the static volume drops to an equivalent of 1-2%, making it inaudible unless you press your ear against the bottom speaker in a silent environment).
It is crucial to understand that the volume of the static noise is completely independent of the system volume.
Concrete Example (Streaming via Infuse while charging via USB-C in a quiet/silent environment):
If I launch a video stream on a player like Infuse:
- System Volume at 0%: I clearly hear the static.
- System Volume at 5% to 15%: As I increase the volume, the static remains audible over/under the video audio (since the static volume does not change).
- System Volume at 15% to 30%: The audio from the video finally starts to mask/drown out the static.
(Note: If the video has very quiet passages—like the scene where Morpheus explains the Matrix to Neo in the white virtual room—the static becomes distinctly audible again in the background between lines of dialogue, even if the movie volume is set to 50% or higher).
It is worth noting that when the phone is charging via USB-C in standby mode (screen off), sitting on a desk ~30 cm (12 inches) away from me, even in a silent room, I have never heard the phone emit this noise on its own. It really requires user interaction/screen activity to trigger.
And needless to say, on a MagSafe dock, the static remains inaudible (just like when unplugged), regardless of usage.
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Here are 4 audio clips from that specific scene in The Matrix, recorded with a Sony dictaphone under identical conditions:
- Distance: 5 cm from the bottom-left speaker.
- Volume: System volume set to 30% (sufficient for watching a movie in a quiet environment, especially at night).
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
vocaroo.com
File 2: USB-C Charging (Video on screen)
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
vocaroo.com
File 3: USB-C Charging (Video in Background/Audio only) + Multitasking
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
vocaroo.com
- At 0:24: I start scrubbing muted videos on Reddit.
- At 0:58: I open the Anker App. This is where the real "**** show" begins. The rhythmic static is aggressive and virulent; one could argue it even overpowers the movie audio (louder than the 30% system volume).
Vocaroo | Online voice recorder
Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.
vocaroo.com
Please note:
These recordings are for indicative purposes only, specifically regarding the relative perceived volume of the static in this specific case.
In real-world usage, the static can vary in aggression (as shown in File 3), and your perception may change based on acoustics (e.g., if the phone is held in your hands, the sound can be amplified or deflected by your palms).
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It is immediately and obviously noticeable, even from a distance and when the phone is in an idle state. Just unlocking the phone while charging makes a weird zapping sound. Scrolling makes constant coil whine. Using an app with audio makes the phone sound like it’s crackling or frying.
Replacing seems pointless. Folks here who claim they don’t hear it either have worse hearing than they think, are in loud environments, got a magical unit, or are straight up lying.
EDIT: okay I finally managed to recreate the issue!! Charged above 80%, wired charger, opened a YouTube video with the sound off and yes if I put my ear right to the bottom, Lo and behold I hear a faint hiss. Fascinating. But can it really be hardware related if it stops when the video stops or when it’s below 80%?
Either way I’m not overly concerned as a) I use MagSafe to charge at night and b) it’s too quiet for me to hear without the thing pressed against my ear but yeah, sure is an odd one. Wonder if Apple will ever fully acknowledge it!
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I think the volume of the noise is proportional to the amount of power supplied through the cable. When I run a 3D app that fully loads the SoC, the noise becomes quite loud.
I was using a sleep monitoring app, but I stopped because placing my iPhone on the bedside was noisy. A noise occurs each time the app records.
I was using a sleep monitoring app, but I stopped because placing my iPhone on the bedside was noisy. A noise occurs each time the app records.
My testing corroborates your theory regarding the influence of power delivery.
I observed that when plugging the phone into my Anker Prime 250W using a very short and thin USB-A to USB-C cable (specifically the one supplied with a JBL Go 4 speaker), the static noise largely disappeared. The charger's display showed a power draw of only 2-3W with this specific cable.
However, for reference, when I use a standard, higher-quality USB-A to USB-C cable, the noise levels return to being just as bad as with a regular USB-C to USB-C connection.
So, for your specific bedside scenario (charging while running background tasks like sleep monitoring), the only real salvation seems to be using a MagSafe puck or dock.
I wonder if anything more will be said about this issue or if it’ll just be ignored till people stop talking about it…
I fear you are right, but the tragedy here isn't just Apple's silence; it is the "fog of war" surrounding this entire issue.
The most frustrating aspect of this saga is how poorly defined the problem remains, even months later. We are stuck in a unique kind of limbo caused by a "perfect storm" of factors:
1. The Proof Gap (Epistemological Stalemate)
We still don't firmly know if this is a universal design flaw (affecting 100% of units) or a bad batch. Why? Because of a lack of rigorous collaboration. Those claiming their units are "perfect" or "dead silent" have, so far, refused to provide the technical proof to back it up (a simple 1-minute audio recording in a silent room while charging and scrolling). Without a verified "control group" of clean units, we are left fighting in the dark, unable to prove to Apple that a defect-free version even exists.
2. The "Genius Bar" Trap
This issue is ironically the hardest to demonstrate to support staff. It requires a trifecta of conditions: USB-C Charging + Absolute Silence + System Load. You simply cannot reproduce a subtle electrical hiss in a bustling, noisy Apple Store. This gives Apple Support the ultimate plausible deniability. It allows them to dismiss us with "cannot reproduce" or the infuriating "this is normal behavior," whether through genuine incompetence, lack of training on this specific issue, or a deliberate policy to downplay the controversy.
3. The Isolation of the Victim
Ultimately, audio issues are the hardest to fight. A screen defect (tint, grain) can be photographed and seen by everyone. A sound is fleeting and subjective. This leaves those of us suffering from the noise squeezed between a dismissive Manufacturer ("It's normal") and skeptical users ("I don't hear it, so you must be crazy").
Conclusion:
So yes, unless we see a sudden surge in solidarity where users band together to provide irrefutable data, or unless a major tech outlet manages to measure it in a lab, Apple has every incentive to let this die out. It is heartbreaking, but the lack of collective pressure makes it easy for them to sweep it under the rug.
i know this post is old, but my orange pro just started doing this yesterday....
i've had it since launch. disheartening that i couldn't find a quick solution to the problem
i've had it since launch. disheartening that i couldn't find a quick solution to the problem