Level 1

44 points

Issues with iPhone 16 Pro Max – Speaker and Screen

Since I bought my iPhone 16 Pro Max, I’ve been experiencing two issues. The first one is with the top speaker – when I increase the volume past halfway, the microphone starts to crackle. This is especially noticeable during phone calls, and the sound quality becomes very bad. The second issue is that sometimes, out of nowhere, the screen stretches for a split second, and I see green, black, or other colored lines. These lines appear in different parts of the screen, especially when I turn it on or in certain apps. Even the Always-On Display sometimes glitches. I’m starting to wonder if the phone is defective or if it’s a software issue, as updating to iOS 18.0.1 hasn’t fixed it. Does anyone else have this problem with the new iPhone?

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 10, 2024 10:59 AM

Top-ranking reply

nhazarika

Level 1

13 points

Posted on Nov 2, 2024 3:57 PM

I usually use the “Apple Support App” to investigate any issues and refer to articles relevant, which the app automatically populates from a lille description of the problem. It can also use the Serial Number to check warranty (limited 1 year) or AppleCare (if applicable) and tells the eligibility for paid/unpaid service options available best for you.

From there you can choose the option suits you like scheduling reservations to nearest store or send-in etc. Scheduling can be done for a week ahead max.

Here, is an article I found when searched speaker/loudspeaker. Sometimes a quick look can be very rewarding and save you efforts as last I remember I had to backup the phone, erase the device after I sign out and oops, I will regret this a few days later as I never updated my phone number linked to the AppleID.

If you can’t hear any sound or hear distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch speaker – Apple Support (UK)

Another reason for replying on this post is to share that some phone models may get replaced/repaired under replacement programs for similar issues reported and do check it out.

Apple Service Programs - Apple Support

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64 replies

Smac537

Level 1

8 points

Oct 16, 2024 6:11 PM in response to vasil05

I purchased the iPhone pro max and the speaker crackles at times and we compared it to my wife’s iPhone 14 and there is a big difference. I had the phone for two weeks. I’m wondering if it’s the defective.

Oct 20, 2024 2:47 PM in response to vasil05

Similar issues here, buzzing and volume changes and random texting that freezes and lags between sound and motion. Apple support insists diagnostics are perfect and insists there have been no reports of problems nor offer a fix/assistance while that clearly isn’t true because several others are having problems with NEW phones.

16pro_

Level 1

8 points

Nov 5, 2024 5:22 AM in response to vasil05

My phone is only a week old and the keyboard sound has been increasing and decreasing on its own since the first day. Also, the sound of sending messages in WhatsApp explodes, then it returns to normal and the explosion repeats. Is this a software or hardware error? What should I do?(16 Pro)

Nov 18, 2024 7:05 AM in response to vasil05

Ear speaker crackling while on speaker mode.it’s really disappointing after paying lots of money for apple product and having this issue.hope apple can fix this issue by next update.i never had this type of issues with my samsung phones.

Nov 22, 2024 7:43 AM in response to vasil05

I thought apple will address this issue with the current update unfortunately it didn’t happen.its really disappointing to have this issue since the calling is the main function of a phone.hope apple will address this issue immediately.this is really annoying.

Dec 14, 2024 6:02 PM in response to vasil05

Apple ignored the issue with the iOS 18.2 update, despite my expectation of a solution. The top speaker rattles while on speaker mode, which seems common for iPhone 16 Pro models. I regret buying this phone and am disappointed with Apple’s product quality.

jjkall

Level 1

8 points

Dec 23, 2024 9:13 PM in response to Katmsc

Same EXACT situation here! I just got my iPhone 16 Pro Max yesterday and the TREBLE is so High and piercing I can’t even turn up my music or YouTube videos or even just the news! It hurts my ears. It is so PIERCING AND SHRILLING 🤯 - I’m not sure what to do?! 🤷‍♂️

Looks like this is a pretty comment complaint.

So What Is everybody Doing? cuz, like you, I cannot keep this phone. I live on my phone. I work a ton so I’m watching YouTube, Music videos and news all the time and I can’t live with this.! Is there anyway to adjust this as it needs an equalizer?

Does anybody have an answer to this shrilling HIGH pitched TREBLE in this iPhone 16 Pro??

jjkall

Level 1

8 points

Dec 23, 2024 9:23 PM in response to vasil05

I just upgraded to iPhone 16 Pro Max from a 14 Pro Max and this speaker is so high in trouble. It is shrilling and piercing and my ears are ringing from just watching YouTube videos and the news. I can’t turn the speaker up enough to enjoy it. It is so shrilling!!

unless there’s a fix this, I’m not going to be able to keep his phone. I’d rather have like 14 Pro Max back!!
?????

Jan 7, 2025 7:39 PM in response to vasil05

Same problems with my new iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB, Black ($1,695 ; Jan 02/2025 ). Creepy static sound, Microphone crackling, Speaker buzzing at increasing volume. Just an injustice to some high-quality music & video production I was trying to play on the iPhone. They sound a looooooot better on my old devices IPhone 7Plus, iPhone XR, 13, .. Not to mention problems with the Screen - readability, legibility, grayish & pale-white ... What a shame!!!

Jan 8, 2025 12:55 AM in response to vasil05

I have just bought a 16 pro it’s been a week and the same thing is happening my upper ear speaker voice is cracking when i am increasing the volume on call speaker this is happening mostly on calls while on speaker this is pathetic.

Jan 18, 2025 3:21 AM in response to vasil05

I have the same issue with my iPhone 16 Plus. And maybe it is a hardware defect that cannot be fixed with software updates.

Will they recall all the new iPhone 16s’ line up facing the “speaker buzz” problem?

Hass345

Level 1

14 points

Jan 25, 2025 7:06 AM in response to DariuszX

In fact, we filed a complaint with some of my colleagues who have a 16 Pro Max category.

But there is no solution

And no, we are forced to get used to this defect, We have to cooperate in order to get compensation from this Apple company because the phone is expensive and not cheap

Jan 27, 2025 1:11 PM in response to Rog_inatx

My bottom speakers are crackling/buzzing and volume sucks now. Top one is fine…so far. How to fix besides using AppleCare that won’t get me an actual new phone? These cost WAY too much money to crap out this fast. I got my phone in December. Bottom speakers are already shot. Really makes me angry

ELRER

Level 1

14 points

Mar 21, 2025 2:09 AM in response to vasil05

Not on the 16 pro max. On the 16 Pro, if you set the speaker on and mix volume for ph calling, there is a noticeable crackling sound. I don't think it's because of the speaker. I didn't experience such an error with the 14 pro max before, and other owners also didn't hear any sound. This seems to be an error they've been having since they released it. I haven't heard this problem even on Vivo and Oppo midrange phones, so I regret buying it a little 😔😔

Mar 22, 2025 12:13 AM in response to vasil05

Mine just went out today..won’t even get to 25% volume and it’s crackling.

insane because these phones just came out and have this issue; and we paid SO much.. for this? There should honestly be a recall for this since so many people have the issue…

I do regret buying this phone now too.

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Issues with iPhone 16 Pro Max – Speaker and Screen