AirPods Pro 3 users still report static and crackling issues despite multiple firmware updates

AirPods Pro

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 continue to face unresolved audio issues months after launch, with users reporting persistent static, crackling, and intermittent high-pitched noises. Despite two firmware updates released since the complaints first surfaced, the problems appear to remain widespread, raising concerns about whether the issue can be fixed through software alone.

Shortly after the AirPods Pro 3 became available, early adopters began reporting an unusual static-like sound when using the earbuds, most commonly when Active Noise Cancellation is enabled and no media is playing. In some cases, the noise also appears during playback, breaking the otherwise premium listening experience. Other users have described sudden high-pitched whistling sounds that occur without warning and disappear just as abruptly.

These complaints first gained attention in late October, prompting expectations that upcoming firmware updates would resolve the issue. Apple rolled out firmware version 8B25 in November, followed by firmware version 8B30 on December 10. However, feedback from users who have installed both updates suggests that the underlying problems remain unchanged.

Affected users continue to report static noises when Active Noise Cancellation is switched on, regardless of whether audio is playing. The inconsistency of the issue has made it particularly frustrating, as the earbuds may perform normally for extended periods before the noise suddenly returns. In addition to the static and crackling, some users have also reported latency and audio synchronisation problems when watching videos, with sound occasionally falling out of sync with visuals.

The persistence of these issues has led some users to seek hardware replacements through Apple’s support channels. While Apple has replaced AirPods Pro 3 units for certain customers, replacement earbuds have reportedly exhibited the same behaviour. This has raised questions about whether the problem is tied to a broader design or tuning issue rather than isolated defective units.

Adding to the uncertainty is Apple’s lack of transparency around what its recent firmware updates actually address. The release notes for both firmware versions simply mention “bug fixes and other improvements,” without specifying whether audio artefacts, noise cancellation behaviour, or latency issues were targeted. As a result, users have been left to test each update themselves, often with little to no improvement.

The situation is particularly notable because Active Noise Cancellation is a core selling point of the AirPods Pro line. Any unwanted noise when no media is playing directly undermines the purpose of noise cancellation, which is meant to create a sense of silence. For users who rely on ANC in quiet environments such as offices or during travel, the issue can be more noticeable and disruptive than during music playback.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether Apple can fully resolve the problem through firmware adjustments or whether a deeper hardware-level change is required. The fact that multiple firmware updates and replacement units have not fixed the issue suggests the latter cannot be ruled out. However, Apple has not publicly acknowledged the problem or indicated that a more comprehensive fix is in development.