iPhone 18 Pro Users Report Unexpected Speaker Crackling and Popping

Some iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max owners are reporting unusual sounds from their devices, including crackling, popping, clicking, and faint ticking noises. Reports shared on MacRumors forums and Reddit describe the issue occurring in different situations. However, the exact cause of the problem remains unknown.

Users Describe Different Speaker Problems

The reported issue appears to involve the earpiece speaker on some iPhone 18 Pro models.

Affected users have described sounds ranging from occasional clicks and pops to more noticeable crackling. In some cases, the noise appears repeatedly, while other users only encounter it during specific activities.

Users have reportedly noticed the sounds while:

• Using different apps

• Browsing websites

• Receiving notifications

• Opening the keyboard

• Making cellular calls

• Adjusting screen brightness quickly

• Turning Airplane Mode on or off

Both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have been mentioned in user reports.

iOS 27.0.1 Hasn't Resolved the Issue

The speaker reports appeared around the same time as iOS 27.0.1, which was released to address a separate Face ID problem affecting some iPhone 18 Pro users.

Apple's release notes do not list a fix for the reported speaker noises. Some affected users also say that installing iOS 27.0.1 did not eliminate the crackling or popping. At this point, Apple has not officially acknowledged the speaker issue or announced a dedicated fix.

Replacement Devices Have Also Been Reported to Have the Problem

Some users say they returned their original iPhone 18 Pro after experiencing the speaker issue, but noticed similar sounds on replacement devices.

These reports suggest the problem may not be limited to a single defective unit. However, there is currently not enough information to determine how widespread the issue is. It is also unclear whether the underlying cause is software, hardware, or a combination of both.

A Future iOS Update Could Address the Problem

If the issue is caused by software, Apple could potentially resolve it through a future iOS update. There is currently no confirmation that such a fix is being developed.

Users experiencing distorted or unusual speaker sounds can try Apple's basic troubleshooting steps, including checking the speaker and receiver openings, removing anything that could block them, and making sure they are clean. If the problem continues, contacting Apple Support or an authorized service provider may be appropriate.

What iPhone 18 Pro Users Should Know

The reported speaker issue is among several problems that some iPhone 18 Pro owners have discussed since the devices became available. Other user reports have involved Face ID and device temperature.

Apple has already released iOS 27.0.1 to address certain Face ID-related problems, but there is currently no confirmed software solution for the reported speaker crackling. For now, affected users will have to wait for further information from Apple or a future iOS update.

Final Thoughts

Reports of speaker crackling, popping, and clicking on some iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices continue to circulate among users.

While some owners have experienced the problem even after replacing their devices, the overall scope and cause remain unclear. Apple has not officially confirmed the issue or announced a specific fix. If the problem is software-related, a future iOS update could potentially resolve it, but that remains unconfirmed.