iPhone 8/Plus Update on Speaker Clipping Issue

[PBz]

So I have been working with Apple on this issue for almost five months.

The goal of my time and effort was to seek a solution and resolution for myself as well as everyone who is having this issue that affects the 8, 8 Plus and X.

I have worked with Apple Retail. I have been through five devices and all have the issue. I have worked with an Apple Lead Tech who worked with Apple Engineers. I have worked with an Executive Liaison Rep and AppleCare Senior Specialist who was the go-between with additional Apple Engineers.

The issue is acknowledge by Apple. The issue is easily demonstrated and repeated. The issue affects Apple native apps and non-native apps.

I have reached the limit of my patience and am giving up. Apple won. Customers lost. I have voiced this exact sentiment to Apple. The Engineers have asked for repeated tests and examples. I have provided them over and over and over. Even my AC SS said they are not providing any answers and only more requests for more testing. Five months. They know the issue.

I am convinced Apple is hiding this issue hoping you will not notice or care.

I have no idea what Apple will do in my case as m EL Rep is likely going to call me soon.

If you don't have the issue or notice it that is great. However, anyone I have asked to check for the issue, including my AC SS, has been able to recreate the issue.

There are many 'issues' that get raised with Apple products.. some are minor, some heavy OCD and some are real issues. In my opinion, a speaker that sounds busted and is not correctable in any way is a serious issue. I have even been told by a person at Apple that it will eventually damage the speaker of the phone.

I tried.

 

[Vermifuge]

What issue?

Are you referring to using the phone at near max volume to 100% volume? Just... don't do that. Most people won't use the phone that way. Just use headphones or connect to decent speakers. Most audio equipment has an RMS and Peak rating. Audio gear is never intended to run at 100%... that's just asking for problems.

I just can't understand why some people insist on using their phone as a boom box. Especially in public spaces. Almost any $50 bluetooth speaker is going to provide better audio. However, if you are one of the above please, just spare the rest of us and get some headphones.

 

[PBz]

Not max volume.

 

[maverick22]

I have not so great hearing, and I turn my volume up to max during calls on my 7+.

Do the 8/8 plus/X crackle at max during phone calls as well? I was thinking of getting one with the BOGO offers going on.

 

[Vermifuge]

I have not so great hearing, and I turn my volume up to max during calls on my 7+.

Do the 8/8 plus/X crackle at max during phone calls as well? I was thinking of getting one with the BOGO offers going on.

the 8 & X can achieve significantly higher volumes than the 7 without distortion. at 100% some people have reported crackling but again the 8 & X are much louder than the 6/6s and 7

 

[PBz]

I have not so great hearing, and I turn my volume up to max during calls on my 7+.

Do the 8/8 plus/X crackle at max during phone calls as well? I was thinking of getting one with the BOGO offers going on.

That issue has been resolved by Apple. My calls are great.

 

[maverick22]

That issue has been resolved by Apple. My calls are great.

So when do you experience issues? Multi-tasking with apps, music at max volume, games?

thanks

 

[PBz]

So when do you experience issues? Multi-tasking with apps, music at max volume, games?

thanks

Apps like Night Sky, Sky Guide, Sudoku Master Edition, PCalc.. native apps like Music and Live Photo’s as well as Podcasts cause the issue. Never max volume. 50-75%.

 

[PBz]

Issue/case closed.

No resolution.
No option to return a device with busted sounding speakers for 5 months.

Very dissatisfied with Apple.

 

[GomerBoy]

Issue/case closed.

No resolution.
No option to return a device with busted sounding speakers for 5 months.

Very dissatisfied with Apple.

So they won’t even give you another replacement? That’s bs...

 

[PBz]

So they won’t even give you another replacement? That’s bs...

Agree. They know replacement will have the issue.

At this point I wish they would just take it back. I may sell it and AW3 and go Pixel 2 XL. Was hoping Apple would do the right thing.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Contact Tim Cook directly.

 

[PBz]

Contact Tim Cook directly.

That is how I got here. My email to Tim Cook led to a response from an Executive Liasion. That EL told me today that Apple admits the issue is there and bad, that Apple has no way to resolve and Apple will not take my phone back and I am forced to keep making AUP payments on a defective device.

TBH, I’m pissed.

 

[Apple_Robert]

That is how I got here. My email to Tim Cook led to a response from an Executive Liasion. That EL told me today that Apple admits the issue is there and bad, that Apple has no way to resolve and Apple will not take my phone back and I am forced to keep making AUP payments on a defective device.

TBH, I’m pissed.

I would be mad as well. Apple should give you a free replacement at the least, if not a prorated refund.

 

[PBz]

I would be mad as well. Apple should give you a free replacement at the least, if not a prorated refund.

Agree 100%. I specifically and directly asked for the latter and that they just cancel my remaining loan balance..including me returning the phone. Denied.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Agree 100%. I specifically and directly asked for the latter and that they just cancel my remaining loan balance..including me returning the phone. Denied.

If you have documentation of all that you have shared, take Apple to court. I think you could make the case that your phone is severely handicapped and Apple has not acted in good faith.

 

[PBz]

If you have documentation of all that you have shared, take Apple to court. I think you could make the case that your phone is severely handicapped and Apple has not acted in good faith.

Considering exactly that.
I am unemployed right now so no $ for a lawyer. I have all the emails since working with EL as well as names of Apple Tech I worked with since September.
[doublepost=1519252465][/doublepost]Apple literally admits to the issue.

 

[PBz]

Not sure if I shared.. was at a Verizon store checking out the Pixel 2 XL today and the sales guy had a 7 Plus. I got him to download Night Sky and test for the issue.

His phone had the speaker clipping issue.
[doublepost=1519262419][/doublepost]

If you have documentation of all that you have shared, take Apple to court. I think you could make the case that your phone is severely handicapped and Apple has not acted in good faith.

I sent a formal email asking Apple to act in Good Faith and gave a few options. Not much confidence but I had to send and give them a chance.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not sure if I shared.. was at a Verizon store checking out the Pixel 2 XL today and the sales guy had a 7 Plus. I got him to download Night Sky and test for the issue.

His phone had the speaker clipping issue.
[doublepost=1519262419][/doublepost]
I sent a formal email asking Apple to act in Good Faith and gave a few options. Not much confidence but I had to send and give them a chance.

Good move. I would have done the same. If you don't receive a reply, send another email to Tim Cook, as well as a few other higher-ups you have been dealing with. Let them know that you just want to be made whole. And if you aren't made whole, you will be contacting many different media outlets informing them (and showing them proof) of what has transpired. If that doesn't spurn them to action, (which it should) you may be able to find a good and honest lawyer to take the case.

I would contact the staff here with the pertinent information as well. MacRumors is a good source and resource.

 

[PBz]

Good move. I would have done the same. If you don't receive a reply, send another email to Tim Cook, as well as a few other higher-ups you have been dealing with. Let them know that you just want to be made whole. And if you aren't made whole, you will be contacting many different media outlets informing them (and showing them proof) of what has transpired. If that doesn't spurn them to action, (which it should) you may be able to find a good and honest lawyer to take the case.

I would contact the staff here with the pertinent information as well. MacRumors is a good source and resource.

Thank you for the advice.

You are right, all I want is to be made whole so I can get another phone. I even said I would give them a chance on the next phone.

Heck, I even have to sell my AW3 and will be taking a loss on that.
[doublepost=1519264795][/doublepost]Our nanny’s husband works for a local news station. I would start there. Hope I don’t have to be that guy.

 

[sundog925]

OMG this sounds absurd, 5 devices? out of millions? I'm sure its only your own perception.

 

[nhkdarkevil]

Honestly i need to sign up just to reply to you to say : YES, I ****ING HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THIS DRIVE ME CRAZY SINCE DAY ONE. I'm not buy it from Apple Store but retail store, i bring it to them at least 3 times in 2 weeks to explaint and show them the probs of the earpiece but they just say : it's normal, others 8+ in their store have that static sounds too. This is nice phone, but this cracking sounds from ( Youtube, Pokemon Go, 4 pic 1 work ) to ( Music, message while listen to music from speaker ) really destroy the experience. I really hope its solfware problem, because if its not. Its really hard to send it back from my country. My first apple thing not goes well.

 

[PBz]

OMG this sounds absurd, 5 devices? out of millions? I'm sure its only your own perception.

Every device I’ve asked someone to check, including an iPhone 7 Plus today, has the issue.
[doublepost=1519277414][/doublepost]

OMG this sounds absurd, 5 devices? out of millions? I'm sure its only your own perception.

Apple rep I was working with confirmed it on device of coworker.. an X.

Apple said it is a known issue with no solution.
[doublepost=1519277600][/doublepost]

Honestly i need to sign up just to reply to you to say : YES, I ****ING HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THIS DRIVE ME CRAZY SINCE DAY ONE. I'm not buy it from Apple Store but retail store, i bring it to them at least 3 times in 2 weeks to explaint and show them the probs of the earpiece but they just say : it's normal, others 8+ in their store have that static sounds too. This is nice phone, but this cracking sounds from ( Youtube, Pokemon Go, 4 pic 1 work ) to ( Music, message while listen to music from speaker ) really destroy the experience. I really hope its solfware problem, because if its not. Its really hard to send it back from my country. My first apple thing not goes well.

Exactly. It sounds horrible and ruins the experience with the apps.

 

[nhkdarkevil]

Every device I’ve asked someone to check, including an iPhone 7 Plus today, has the issue.
[doublepost=1519277414][/doublepost]
Apple rep I was working with confirmed it on device of coworker.. an X.

Apple said it is a known issue with no solution.
[doublepost=1519277600][/doublepost]
Exactly. It sounds horrible and ruins the experience with the apps.

i know, and i hate it so much, feel like i pay 1000$+ for a fail phone.

 

[PBz]

nm