Left Speaker Pops since upgrade to MacOS Golden Gate

Because the popping continues even when the Mac is muted, and changing the Audio MIDI Setup format has not changed the behaviour, I would leave those settings unchanged for now.

Disconnect any external audio devices, displays, docks, or headphones, then go to System Settings > Sound > Output and select MacBook Pro Speakers. 

Test several different audio sources and note whether the popping remains confined to the left speaker. 

Apple recommends disconnecting external audio devices and selecting the built-in speakers when troubleshooting speaker problems. Apple Support — If the internal speakers on your Mac aren't working

Make sure macOS 27 is fully updated under System Settings > General > Software Update. 

Then create a new temporary user account and test the speakers there.

If the popping also occurs in the new account, the issue is not limited to the original user account.

If it does not occur there, something specific to the original account may be contributing to the problem. 

This test does not, by itself, establish whether the underlying cause is software or hardware.

Next, test the Mac in Safe Mode. 

If the popping continues, run Apple Diagnostics with external devices disconnected. On an Apple-silicon Mac, shut it down, press and hold the power button until the startup options appear, then hold Command-D to start Diagnostics. Apple Support — Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac

If Diagnostics reports an error, note the reference code and follow Apple's service recommendations. 

If no error is reported but the popping continues, contacting Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider would be appropriate.

Have the computer evaluated by the Professionals who have the Special Hardware Software and Expertise to diagnose the issue and offer possible solutions

Make an Appointment at the Apple Genius Bar or call 1 800 MyApple and have them evaluate the computer

Other location Call Centres 

 Contact Apple for support and service

The fact that the problem began after installing macOS 27 is worth noting, but that timing alone does not establish that the update caused it. 

The tests above can provide additional information about where the problem occurs before drawing that conclusion.

As a Last Resort

If the user believes these current issues stem specifically from macOS 27 Golden Gate

For a thorough test of both Golden Gate / Hardware and to  determine the root cause of all the computer issues.

Use the “Atomic” option and select “Erase All Content and Settings.” Apple Silicon computer

Use the " Erase All Content and Settings " feature to quickly and securely erase all settings, data, and apps, while maintaining the operating system currently installed.

Always make a Time Machine backup before proceeding.

Run the computer without installing any additional software and without restoring from your Time Machine backups.

Run the computer in this mode for approximately 1 - 2 to 8 hours and report back if the previous issues reoccur.

No issues with my 16" M4 Pro MBP speakers on macOS 27 Golden Gate.

Have you rebooted your Mac? If not, that's the first step. If that does not help, then see if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode. That process performs some system cleanup and clears caches, and also disables 3rd party extensions that may cause problems.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

If that does not correct the issue, test in a new user account. A newly-created user account will have all settings at default, and if the issue does not occur in that new account then it provides guidance on what may need to be changed to correct the issue.

Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support

Once the testing is complete, the new account can easily be deleted.

Delete a user or group on Mac – Apple Support

Those steps will help to isolate the problem.

If the issue persists in Safe Mode and a new user account, then most likely it is a hardware issue and the association with the Golden Gate upgrade is coincidental. In that case, contact Apple for support:

If close to an Apple Store: Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If not: Official Apple Support

Same... And clearly started immediately after upgrading to macOS 27 Golden Gate... Sometimes I hear a series of ever declining small pops or clicks as if it's feedback. If I say "save a document" that has a sound appended to it, I first hear the normal sound and then this rapidly declining set of click, click clicks... Maybe as many as 4... Then it stops... I'm working on a 2021 MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro chip... Been using Macs since 1985 and never heard any such "feedback" ever once before... Started the day I update to Golden Gate...

Hello,

I have a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Max, and I’m experiencing the same speaker popping issue occasionally.

I cannot reproduce the problem. The speakers sometimes make a sudden popping sound, but it never happened on previous versions of macOS. The issue started immediately after installing macOS Golden Gate.

The popping issue also occurs with my wired earphones. Even when I’m listening to music with earphones, I also hear the same popping sound. This never happened before the macOS Golden Gate update.

I hope this issue can be investigated, as it seems to have started specifically after the update.

I just got off the phone with Apple, very nice lady I was dealing with. She has let me know that Apple is aware of this issue and Apple Engineers currently investigating

Thank You for your reply. After testing, looks like it is coincidence for this to occur after installing Golden Gate. Such a shame :(

Appreciate your assistance

I am also facing the same issue after upgrading to golden gate update on my macbook pro m4, did it got solved for you ?

I am also facing the same issue after upgrading to golden gate update on my macbook pro m4, did it got solved for you ?

Unfortunately the issue is still occurring for me. So then it has to be the update !

i am really frustrated now, if you find any solution please update here also it would be a great help.

and also for me it is happening even at the boot up time itself, so running in safe mode not make any sense and i have tried all the diagnosis i got from the community but nothing working for me.

Same as well. The only thing I haven't done yet is to erase all settings but I have a feeling it wont resolve

You have hit this spot on as I am getting the same symptoms as you with the rapidly declining pops/clicks as well. Apple needs to fix this !

I've the same issue after upgrading to Golden Gate.

I spot that if I am having the IOS simulator running and play the music, the issue occurs.

Any fix for this?