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RealisticTH
User level: Level 1 (12 points)

iPhone 18 Promax speaker crackling

The top speaker on my 18 Pro Max has a light crackling sound when playing music, YouTube, or TikTok."

Posted on Oct 28, 2026 2:52 AM

1 reply

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 28, 2026 4:34 AM in response to RealisticTH

Hi there

Please try this


  • Disable Voice Isolation: Open the Control Center during a call or app use, select Mic Mode, and switch from Voice Isolation to Standard. 
  • Toggle Mono Audio: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, toggle Mono Audio on for 5 seconds and then off, and make sure the stereo balance slider is centered at zero. 
  • Disable Keyboard Haptics / Feedback: Turn off keyboard sound and haptics in Settings > Sounds & Haptics to prevent audio amplifier spikes.
  • Turn Off Accessibility Shortcuts: Disable settings like sound recognition, vocal shortcuts, or headphone accommodations in Accessibility that may cause background microtasks to glitch system audio.
  • Force Restart: Press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. 
  • Check for iOS Updates: Keep your device updated via Settings > General > Software Update, though patch availability varies. 

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256384472