Overview
- Complaints cite a persistent hiss or static in noise-control modes, sometimes audible even with no media playing.
- Multiple flyers report an intermittent high‑pitched whistle around cruising altitude, with some noting the left earbud more often affected.
- Community analysis suggests seal instability and microphone sensing create a feedback loop that the ANC system amplifies.
- Apple has not publicly acknowledged the issue, and some customers say replacement units exhibit the same behavior while many users and reviewers cannot reproduce it.
- Guides recommend updating firmware and iOS, testing different tip sizes and cleaning microphones, toggling or turning off ANC/Adaptive/Transparency, resetting the buds, or seeking service.