Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
So I got my 3rd phone, 2nd replacement. This one works much much better, I can actually hear who I'm talking to. The screen is much better too, the 1st replacement was so bluish with pink sides. So anyway I'm happy with this one.
I have practically tried everything to rectify the issue but to no avail. I strongly believed it is a hardware issue ... durability issue. I hope the Apple Team will acknowledge the issue and take the necessary actions. Until Apple give an assurance that the issue has been resolved, I will not consider buying iPhone X or any of their newer product. I am posting this comment to give awareness to other Apple fans of the issue.
 
I can personally attest that not every iPhone x has this issue. My model that is week 48 does not do it at all. The unit that I have that is week 47 however does do it pretty strongly. It sucks because the week 47 unit has a perfect screen and is SIM free (Qualcomm chip). I think at this point I will cut my losses and stick with the better screen, keep my volume 3 notches down (sweet spot to stop the crackle) and hope that Apple does something with the EQ tuning in a future update to make the affected units less noticable.
 
Well sir, I am looking at the issue from a different perspective and broader spectrum. I am talking about iPad2 and Macbook of the year 2009. They are quite old but nevertheless underutilised and being used with utmost care. What I am trying to say here is that the sound of those Apple devices deteriorated and vanished with time and not due to normal wear and tear. To me that that is totally ridiculous and of unacceptable quality.
I can personally attest that not every iPhone x has this issue. My model that is week 48 does not do it at all. The unit that I have that is week 47 however does do it pretty strongly. It sucks because the week 47 unit has a perfect screen and is SIM free (Qualcomm chip). I think at this point I will cut my losses and stick with the better screen, keep my volume 3 notches down (sweet spot to stop the crackle) and hope that Apple does something with the EQ tuning in a future update to make the affected units less noticable.
 
I can personally attest that not every iPhone x has this issue. My model that is week 48 does not do it at all. The unit that I have that is week 47 however does do it pretty strongly. It sucks because the week 47 unit has a perfect screen and is SIM free (Qualcomm chip). I think at this point I will cut my losses and stick with the better screen, keep my volume 3 notches down (sweet spot to stop the crackle) and hope that Apple does something with the EQ tuning in a future update to make the affected units less noticable.

How were you able to determine your phone manufacture week?
 
So I got my 3rd phone, 2nd replacement. This one works much much better, I can actually hear who I'm talking to. The screen is much better too, the 1st replacement was so bluish with pink sides. So anyway I'm happy with this one.
What is your serial number? I mean does it start with F???
 
Got my 2nd phone today, 1st replacement - and hopefully the last. Tested the speakers at full volume with Skyfall and the Slow Rise tone. Had a 10-minute phone call over speakerphone at high volume. No problem, nothing, nada. I'm keeping this baby. :)

FWIW: serial starts with D. Manufacture date mid-November. My previous one (manuf. date 20 October) had a serial starting with G.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: snoozy23
What is your serial number? I mean does it start with F???

F I believe denotes of a serial number assigned to a refurbished unit. One that’s used by Genius Bar. They source the replacement phones from returns/defective handsets that are disassembled, fixed and returned to market via Genius Bar for warranty purposes. Genius Bar phones are not new—even if they do look like they are. (Actually some don’t, I’ve had issues in the past with a scratch here and there.)
 
F I believe denotes of a serial number assigned to a refurbished unit. One that’s used by Genius Bar. They source the replacement phones from returns/defective handsets that are disassembled, fixed and returned to market via Genius Bar for warranty purposes. Genius Bar phones are not new—even if they do look like they are. (Actually some don’t, I’ve had issues in the past with a scratch here and there.)

Not true. My first phone (brand new from tmobile) had the serial starting with F. The F is the factory foxconn and the next letters are the location in china. Also, at this point all iphone Xs replacements are brand new and manufactured the same as retail phones. The phone is to new to start refurbishing them. The returns are not enough yet to start refurbishing them.
 
F I believe denotes of a serial number assigned to a refurbished unit. One that’s used by Genius Bar. They source the replacement phones from returns/defective handsets that are disassembled, fixed and returned to market via Genius Bar for warranty purposes. Genius Bar phones are not new—even if they do look like they are. (Actually some don’t, I’ve had issues in the past with a scratch here and there.)
You are confusing serial with model number.
 
F I believe denotes of a serial number assigned to a refurbished unit. One that’s used by Genius Bar. They source the replacement phones from returns/defective handsets that are disassembled, fixed and returned to market via Genius Bar for warranty purposes. Genius Bar phones are not new—even if they do look like they are. (Actually some don’t, I’ve had issues in the past with a scratch here and there.)

You are spreading wrong incorrect information.
 
Mine is a sim-free 64Gb silver. Bought yesterday. I was aware of this crackling speakers before buying. However I didn't notice any issues on mine or probably the "issue" doesn't bother me at all. It's kinda hard to tell when there is no phone with issue to compare with...
 
  • Like
Reactions: geekiemac
I've just created an account to post, mine has been having the same issue and I tried to get a replacement yet they refused as apparently all units have the same problem so I managed to practically fix it by adjusting the volume balance slightly to the left as shown in the screenshot, I hardly ever hear that crackling sound at the moment, hopefully apple acknowledge this issue soon and roll out an update.

Thanks for this, just came across this and it actually helped A LOT. Actually during phone calls as well. It's obviously unacceptable that we have to do this to not get a crackle sound but hey, it works and is not noticeably different sounding minus the crackling (verrrrry slight now). Otherwise my unit has a great screen so if the two others I've ordered have worse screens I will be returning and just keeping this one with this setting on.
 
Love the phone but I was wondering if anyone has had any issues with the speakers slightly sounding a little crackling whenever max volume. Noticeable on certain songs and even my ring tone which was bought from the iTunes Store.

I compared it to my 7 plus and that one didn’t have a slight crackle.

Thanks guys
Yes me too have the same issue with playing any songs or mainly while calling someone in speaker....the crackling noise in annoying and wonder what to do now.. did apple start fixing this issue? if yes then how? should we take it to the apple store or will they fix this via software update?
 
Yes me too have the same issue with playing any songs or mainly while calling someone in speaker....the crackling noise in annoying and wonder what to do now.. did apple start fixing this issue? if yes then how? should we take it to the apple store or will they fix this via software update?
I guess you haven't read the 18 pages of this thread, have you ? :D
In any case it's most probably a hardware or assembly issue. Contact Apple and based on how you describe the issue, they will suggest a replacement. They're not saying whether it's hard or software at this point, but the issue should be acknowledged.
 
Update on adjusting the L/R balance...it improves things while holding in portrait but the moment you hold it in landscape (with notch to the left) it sounds even worse as it’s piping more of the sound through that horrible front facing speaker. Also, the balance doesn’t apply to phone calls (obviously) so voices sound completely disgusting, even at much lower volumes than max. This is NOT OK! I’m so fed up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: snoozy23
So after 2 hrs of haggling with apple, they finally replaced my 256GB SG X. First phone serial started with C new phone serial starts with D.

I went up to the apple store yesterday (because my 7+ was not responding to touch and would not respond to voice (no input sound) when in a phone call).

They told me I had to schedule another appointment for my X (tmrw) which is today.

So I went back up to the store today.

After putting the phone on a diagnostics stand,and running all the tests ( in the book) it passed and was told it was considered normal to have the crackling speakers (ear piece).

I also told them that the phone was having FaceIDand battery life issues. It took multiple times (failures) for faceID to unlock the phone.

Battery life would only last, 5-6 hours (100-18%)(Look at my other thread for that info)

The person told me the standard apple protocol (that they tell everyone else, i've seen come and go from the genius bar.)

that it was a SOFTWARE problem and to go backhome and restore the phone to factory settings and "it will be fine".

Problem is I already, clean restored the phone multiple times and have had these 3 problemssince I got it on day one.

After being told multiple times "that they can not replicate these issues" and "they will not replace the phone." and it these issues was "unheard of".

After 1 hr and 1/2 or so of more haggling, the person helping me finally brought a L2 Genius.

I over heard him saying, that its known and its a "developing problem" and being "investigated" internally by Apple.

She then found internal articles of the "ongoing investigation" about the crackling speaker.

New replacement with serial that starts with D, has the same crackling speaker issue but FaceID works great on this phone.

I will report back, into see if my battery issues are fixed with the replacement.

So we will see if apple releases an iOS update to "FIX" this problem.

I honestly think its a hardware problem every phone ive tested at the store had the same crackling speaker. (all phones on display, serial number started with C.)
 
So after 2 hrs of haggling with apple, they finally replaced my 256GB SG X. First phone serial started with C new phone serial starts with D.

I went up to the apple store yesterday (because my 7+ was not responding to touch and would not respond to voice (no input sound) when in a phone call).

They told me I had to schedule another appointment for my X (tmrw) which is today.

So I went back up to the store today.

After putting the phone on a diagnostics stand,and running all the tests ( in the book) it passed and was told it was considered normal to have the crackling speakers (ear piece).

I also told them that the phone was having FaceIDand battery life issues. It took multiple times (failures) for faceID to unlock the phone.

Battery life would only last, 5-6 hours (100-18%)(Look at my other thread for that info)

The person told me the standard apple protocol (that they tell everyone else, i've seen come and go from the genius bar.)

that it was a SOFTWARE problem and to go backhome and restore the phone to factory settings and "it will be fine".

Problem is I already, clean restored the phone multiple times and have had these 3 problemssince I got it on day one.

After being told multiple times "that they can not replicate these issues" and "they will not replace the phone." and it these issues was "unheard of".

After 1 hr and 1/2 or so of more haggling, the person helping me finally brought a L2 Genius.

I over heard him saying, that its known and its a "developing problem" and being "investigated" internally by Apple.

She then found internal articles of the "ongoing investigation" about the crackling speaker.

New replacement with serial that starts with D, has the same crackling speaker issue but FaceID works great on this phone.

I will report back, into see if my battery issues are fixed with the replacement.

So we will see if apple releases an iOS update to "FIX" this problem.

I honestly think its a hardware problem every phone ive tested at the store had the same crackling speaker. (all phones on display, serial number started with C.)
i dont have crackling speaker problem but dust and gap bet screen and band is present
 
I suggest that everyone here files a feedback report ASAP. We need to be vocal with Apple about this issue. I have already filed two reports and am currently in contact with corporate regarding this and other quality control issues with this phone. It's far too expensive for anyone to accept this.
 
So after 2 hrs of haggling with apple, they finally replaced my 256GB SG X. First phone serial started with C new phone serial starts with D.

I went up to the apple store yesterday (because my 7+ was not responding to touch and would not respond to voice (no input sound) when in a phone call).

They told me I had to schedule another appointment for my X (tmrw) which is today.

So I went back up to the store today.

After putting the phone on a diagnostics stand,and running all the tests ( in the book) it passed and was told it was considered normal to have the crackling speakers (ear piece).

I also told them that the phone was having FaceIDand battery life issues. It took multiple times (failures) for faceID to unlock the phone.

Battery life would only last, 5-6 hours (100-18%)(Look at my other thread for that info)

The person told me the standard apple protocol (that they tell everyone else, i've seen come and go from the genius bar.)

that it was a SOFTWARE problem and to go backhome and restore the phone to factory settings and "it will be fine".

Problem is I already, clean restored the phone multiple times and have had these 3 problemssince I got it on day one.

After being told multiple times "that they can not replicate these issues" and "they will not replace the phone." and it these issues was "unheard of".

After 1 hr and 1/2 or so of more haggling, the person helping me finally brought a L2 Genius.

I over heard him saying, that its known and its a "developing problem" and being "investigated" internally by Apple.

She then found internal articles of the "ongoing investigation" about the crackling speaker.

New replacement with serial that starts with D, has the same crackling speaker issue but FaceID works great on this phone.

I will report back, into see if my battery issues are fixed with the replacement.

So we will see if apple releases an iOS update to "FIX" this problem.

I honestly think its a hardware problem every phone ive tested at the store had the same crackling speaker. (all phones on display, serial number started with C.)

Are you saying face ID was better on one unit than another?

That was my experience too. Yikes
 
I was verry happy with my new iPhone X untill i discover the crackling speaker problem. Because the phone is expensive and it took long to deliver the phone needs to be perfect. Next week i want to go the Apple Store in Amsterdam for the solution. I have reset the phone already and updated to the last ios version. My iPhone serial starts with D.


Is anybody know how they are going to solve this?
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.