AirPods Pro 3: Complaints about noise are increasing

This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.

Make Apfelpatient a preferred source One click – and you'll see us more often on Google

The AirPods Pro 3 are considered Apple's most advanced in-ear headphones to date. With new noise cancellation, adaptive sound, and improved audio quality, they are designed to elevate the listening experience to a new level. However, since their release, a growing number of users have reported a bothersome problem: a static noise that occurs primarily when no music is playing, active noise cancellation is enabled, or transparency mode is active. Complaints are piling up on online forums like Reddit. While some owners notice no issues at all, others describe a clearly audible hissing or wind noise. The problem doesn't seem to affect all devices equally, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause.

Several AirPods Pro 3 owners report a quiet but constant hissing sound whenever active noise cancellation (ANC), adaptive noise cancellation, or transparency mode is activated. The sound is often described as white noise or a hissing sound that is particularly noticeable in quiet environments.

It's noticeable that the problem isn't always symmetrical: some users hear the noise in only one ear, others in both. There are also reports that certain high frequencies seem louder when ANC is active. These observations suggest that the problem could be related to microphone control or signal processing.

Many AirPods Pro 3 owners are experiencing similar symptoms

In online forums, users are independently reporting similar experiences. Many describe the noise occurring exclusively in ANC, Adaptive, or Transparency mode. Some note that the noise is particularly noticeable at low volume or in quiet rooms.

It is also mentioned that the problem is more pronounced in one ear with some devices, usually the right one. Some users report that the AirPods Pro 2 did not exhibit this behavior. This suggests that the interference may be specifically related to the new generation of AirPods Pro 3.

Several posts also point out that the noise is sometimes masked by playing music, while for others it remains audible. This suggests that the intensity of the problem is perceived differently by each individual.

Different forms and possible causes

Not all AirPods Pro 3 are affected by the noise. Some users report flawless operation without any interference. Others, however, notice significant differences between the two earbuds or find that the noise becomes louder in certain operating modes.

Since the AirPods Pro 3 have adaptive microphones that analyze ambient noise in real time, a miscalibration or a software bug in this system could be the cause. If the problem is software-related, a future firmware update could fix it.

It is currently unclear whether this is a hardware problem or a software flaw. Apple has not yet issued an official statement.

Apple's response and possible solutions

Some users report that they contacted Apple Support and received replacement devices. However, in several cases, the same problem occurred again with the new AirPods Pro 3. This suggests that replacement does not necessarily offer a permanent solution.

Reports indicate that Apple employees in stores have been instructed to replace affected devices if customers report static noises. However, there has been no systematic recall so far.

Currently, the only effective way to completely avoid the noise seems to be to disable noise cancellation and transparency mode. This can be done in the Settings app while wearing the AirPods. However, this means losing the core features for which the model is known.

AirPods Pro 3: Excellent performance, but not yet flawless

The AirPods Pro 3 generally impress with their powerful sound, intelligent noise control, and high wearing comfort. However, the increasingly reported static noise poses a serious problem for some users. The reports indicate that the interference is reproducible under certain conditions and is not limited to isolated incidents.

Whether this is a hardware defect or a software problem remains unclear. Since some replacement devices are exhibiting the same symptoms, it's likely that a firmware update could provide the solution. Until Apple releases an official statement or an update, affected users can only disable the noise modes or consider a replacement.

The AirPods Pro 3 are technically impressive, but the current noise issue shows that even high-quality audio products aren't immune to teething problems. Those who aren't experiencing any issues right now can fully enjoy the benefits of the new generation – everyone else will probably have to be patient a little longer. (Image: Apple)