AirPods 3 High Pitched noise.

I'm having the same issue. The first pair I received starting having the high pitched sound only with the right AirPod. I noticed that the firmware was 4B61 when I checked. I contacted Apple and had a replacement pair sent to me. I checked the replacement pair as soon as I got them and the firmware was 4B52, and I didn't seem to hear the high pitched noise at all during the first few minutes. I listened to some music then paused it and the high pitched noise began again only with the right AirPod. I checked the firmware again and it had updated to 4B61. Resetting to factory settings does not help the issue. The first pair I received were assembled in Vietnam and the replacement pair were assembled in China so the assembly location doesn't seem to have any bearing on this issue.

UPDATE: for me was a return, since it was in the return period and get them again, once there is an official fix, because the risk that if is hardware issue, specially seeing that is in the right, and that the source doesn't matter, like others say, to me too, I can connect them to different devices and same thing. So my suggested solution is return it before you can't do it that is a period of 14 days.

Also have this issue. Just got Airpods 3 yesterday from Santa and noticed it immediately in the right ear when putting in the buds before even playing first song.

I updated the firmware to the latest and that did not solve. I tried the background noise (rain to 0% workaround) and that did not fix the issue either.

I went to Apple store this morning, they swapped out just the right ear bud and then I had to put them back in the case so the right one would update it’s firmware so they could be re-paired with my phone.

Sadly, it is exactly the same that did not help.

Going to return them to Amazon and try a full new set. Otherwise will have to sit these out for a while until they are fixed.

I have the same issue also with the right airpod the annoying sound happens when no sound is coming out of the phone or ipad, also noticed that if I open the keyboard or type in a chat or search bar the noise disappears and then comes back when nothing is happening on the devices, I have been in contact with apple support and could not fix the issue.

Tried:

• Reseting the AirPods
• removing and adding them again
• different configs in the bluetooth settings, accessibility etc
• tried to clean up the mic's as suggested by apple support
• updated to the latest firmware 4B61
• Also I tried switching off all my devices and the right airpod was still making the sound with all devices off.
• Tried to move the airpod around in the ear
• Tried to play lost sounds with Find My in case maybe there was some obstruction
• Tried some bass testing songs

Hoping this can be fixed in firmware and that is not a hardware issue.

Does anyone know if this issue is happening for all gen 3s, or just some? Because if it’s just some, I’d consider returning them and trying another pair. Or returning them for servicing, assuming that if servicing doesn’t work I can still get a full refund.

I had the same problem. Ringing in the right AirPod and also a faint noise in the left. Contacted Apple and took them to be tested. at an authorized Apple location. They tested both and agreed they were not working properly. Just received the new pair, and ringing on the right side again.

sky_25 wrote:

I am also experiencing the same issue. Have just purchased my second pair as a replacement but am still having this issue so it’s clearly an issue Apples end that they need to sort out. I’m honestly quite annoyed because i’ve now spent £340 on faulty airpods

Your original purchase was covered by Apple's 14 day return (no reason needed) policy, and would also have Apple's standard 12 month warranty against manufacturing defects. Your original purchase would have been covered by either or both of these options so (unless you managed to lose or destroy the original AirPods) you had no reason to buy a replacement.

If you are telling the truth about having "just purchased" and found defective then you should contact Apple Support and arrange to get support direct from Apple's paid support staff.

Nobody called you a liar. However, the just purchased point is very important particularly in relation to the 14 day return/refund/replacement period. I have given the advice, now I will say it again. Contact Apple Support and arrange hands-on inspection by Apple's support team. Stop wasting your time here, because whining about it will not fix the problem or get a working replacement. Ideally (if practical) you need to arrange a Genius Bar in-store appointment so you can test any replacement before accepting it.

Given that hundreds of us (in this chain, on Reddit, and elsewhere) recognize this problem, you should be concerned. There’s no fix. Many people who return their airpods report getting new ones that have exactly the same problems in one or both ears. I returned mine. It’s very annoying, because the problem only seems to affect people who can hear high-frequency pitches—perhaps that’s why Apple refuses to recognize the problem or missed it in their product testing.

I also had to return them and get a second pair but decided it’s best not wait for a fix because if you’re paying £170 for them you shouldn’t have to wait. Apple should be fixing the issue straight away. Ended up returning them and getting the pros and they price matched 10% so only had to pay an extra £30

It is the same for me too, I had the first pair and I did not pay attention to the firmware version before the noise showing up and then I get a replacement at begin it is 4b52, I tried hard and did not hear any noice and then after the update to 4b66, the noise showing up it is likely from the firmware by having the same experience like you have, but it is supper annoying!

The “Apple Recommended” answer seems to be ignoring the fact that this only happens when no audio is playing.

I had this issue with both AirPods 3 and went into the Genius Bar to fix it. They replaced the airpods 3 completely. Now the issue is still happening but only with the right airpod. Can only hear in a quiet setting like in my apartment. I verified that this issue exists on both my iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 6S.

Something interesting is that when you are on the Lock Screen and slowly drag your finger down and see the screen getting blurry, the squealing sound goes away. Similarly, when I click on a text box the squealing goes away as well. This makes me think it might be an iOS issue and not an AirPods firmware issue (???) but I still don’t understand why one of the AirPods (the right one) is making the squealing sound now and the other isn’t even though both had the issue previously :/

I got the same issue. I contacted the seller then he sent me a new one, i tried and the issue removed. But my happy didn't last long. As soon as i upgraded to the latest version it happened again. I contacted Apple Support and they said if it was software issue everybody's Airpods can having the same issue so they told me to go to the service rather than waiting for software update. But i will still wait for the update. Hopefully Apple will solve this issue as soon as possible.

I experienced the same issue from Day 1. Returned the item. Really wanted to love them too...

Don’t waste your time. Just return them and get a refund. I returned mine four times and got a brand new pair in sealed box after I returned and same issue with all of them.