Owners of the latest AirPods Pro 3 are facing a persistent and annoying audio problem. Since the earbuds launched late last year, a growing number of people have reported hearing static, crackling, and even high-pitched whistling sounds while using them. The issue is most obvious when Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode is turned on, making what should be a premium listening experience feel flawed. Despite multiple attempts by Apple to fix the situation through digital updates, the problem remains a major headache for many customers.
The core of the issue involves a strange white noise or feedback sound that occurs even when no music is playing. Some users describe it as a constant hiss, while others have experienced sudden, loud pops during workouts or while walking. While it was initially hoped that these were simple software bugs, Apple has already released two separate firmware updates in the form of versions 8B25 and 8B30, and despite installing them, many users say the static is still there. This has led to concerns that the problem might be related to the hardware design or how the microphones react to certain environments, rather than something that can be fixed with a quick download.
Interestingly, some people have found temporary relief through simple maintenance. A few users reported that deep cleaning the ear tips and speaker meshes with a cotton swab removed debris that was interfering with the noise-canceling microphones. Others found that resetting the earbuds or toggling off specific accessibility settings, like background sounds, helped reduce the noise. However, for many others, even getting a brand-new replacement pair from an Apple Store did not solve the problem, as the new units often arrived with the same static issues.
If you are experiencing these audio glitches, your first step should be to ensure your earbuds are running the latest firmware by connecting them to your iPhone while charging. If the noise continues, you can contact Apple Support to run a remote diagnostic or visit an Apple Store for a hardware check. While Apple has not yet launched a formal repair program specifically for the AirPods Pro 3, they are currently replacing faulty units under the standard one-year warranty or through AppleCare+ coverage.
