M4 11” iPad Pro significant reduction in audio/speaker quality

Hello everybody

I had the same problem with a bad sound without trebles nor bass

apple just sent me another device and now the sound is as great as it was with my old iPad Pro 2020.

so it’s not a problem of conception but a bad production

so it’s a good new for all those with sensible ears !

you can send your device for exchange

Rodolphe from France 😉

Update: After living with the replacement device (11" M4 Pro) for some time now, I can confirm the speakers are muffled even on new device - compared with outgoing 2019 11" Pro, and current iPhone 15 pro, etc. Every listener hears this. It sounds OK when playing Atmos and lossless stuff, but even Apple TV+ content can get muddy and muffled (Manhunt). Headphones are fine - IMO this is something with the speakers, and the nature of the ultra-processed audio. Maybe they will be able to fix with an algorithm update - but I have not seen any serious info regarding the feasibility of that.

That said, I have decided to keep it. Except for the speakers, it's an amazing and impressive device in space black, and with the new Magic Keyboard, I have pretty much been able to use the new M4 as a MacBook alternative. I'm telling myself that the amazing screen and crisp performance will compensate for the gut punch of the crappy speakers and high price, and that the M4 will keep me future-facing.

I went to the Apple Store yesterday. While comparing my iPad Pro M4 11" to other devices, I immediately noticed an issue with the sound—it was boxy and not as punchy. The Apple team agreed with my observation, confirming it wasn't just a subjective impression. The exchange for a new iPad Pro was hassle-free, showcasing why I appreciate Apple: it's not just the products but also the excellent service.

So, if you think there's something wrong with the sound, give this a try. I'm curious to hear about your experiences. I'm now happy with my new iPad, thanks to Apple Support!

Hint: Loudness scaling is different on smaller speakers like those in the M4, which is totally fine. Don't be misled by the loudness war.

After waiting for the Apple Store to launch in my country, I brought the iPad Pro M4 back and got it exchanged. The sound is so much better now!

I am listening to my new iPad Pro 11” as I reply to this, using an Apple Music piece I know well and it sounds perfectly good.

I suggest compare using an external headset or AirPods, to try and rule out a manufacturing defect.

if you are still not happy with the performance, your iPad is still within the 14 day return window, but the first step should be to have it checked by Apple. Contact Apple Support and if possible arrange a Genius Bar appointment where you can demonstrate the problem yourself to Apple’s in store genius.

Apple Store swapped my device on-site with a new 11” M4 Pro, which sounds much clearer (though I still give the outgoing 2019 11” Pro a slight edge). I actually think the issue was in the high frequencies. Much relieved - I can let myself love again.

I am facing this exact same issue as well.

Comparing the speakers, all other previous gen iPad models had crisper audio and not muffled like the iPad Pro

I was surprised as well when I tried connecting with my Airpods Pro and the same issue is heard using the Airpods Pro as well. Muffled and not as crisp as compared to my other devices (iPad Pro 2018, iPhone and even Macbook Pro 14).

Ran through a diagnostic session with Apple Support online and nothing seems to be wrong with the hardware. Still waiting for a more senior technical team to come and call me to check.

Personally not experiencing any audio quality issues on my 11in M4 compared to my M2 or older iPad Pro. As mentioned though…you can definitely take advantage of the return/exchange period while you can. If there is a fix that can be addressed by an update it will be but no one can tell you when. So honestly, take advantage of your exchange option now just in case it is a hardware issue and isn’t something happening to all M4’s (which doesn’t seem to be the case since we would all have the same issue if it were). Or if you are near an Apple Store or a retailer that has displays available to test out go and see if the issue is something you can reproduce. That way you will know if you need to return for a refund if you absolutely can’t deal with the sound quality and don’t feel comfortable waiting until a fix is available if it will be. If you opt to wait it out and need a workaround you could use a Bluetooth speaker when possible or earphones. Not a fix of course but it is an option

New 11” M4 Pro here replacing 2019 11” Pro - Audio is terrible here too. My 2019 had an airy richness and clarity in music/TV/movies that was always a pleasure. New 11” Pro audio is tinny, muddy, distant across all media types - as if speakers are missing or not firing. Sounds much less clear than even my iPhone 15 Pro. The overall tuning is not pleasant over time. No wonder they were so eager to take my 2019 trade - I’m guessing they don’t want us comparing? I have a Genius Bar appointment today to confirm if this is normal.

My former iPad Pro 2020 has an impressive audio quality especially when now comparing to the thin M4, thus I can understand people complaining. Also if we consider the smaller form factor and physical aspects, eg. less resonance space, still not only bass and Loudness differ. Of cause sound is also subjective, thus I am now waiting for a professional comparison of the frequency spectrum. Have you experiment with the Music apps EQs ? Myself didn’t like the profiles, maybe a system wide personalized EQ, could be a feature. But I also doubt if software updates alone can really make the difference here. Also consider if turning back my M4 11’

The muffling probably is more towards the higher frequencies, especially voices. When I play the same music between the iPad Pro M4 and my iPhone and switch between the two using the AirPods Pro, I can clearly hear that the music from the iPhone playing on Apple Music (both downloaded at the highest quality) is crisp and clear.

Both had their EQ set to off in the settings.

Mostly the vocals, they sound muddled and not as near crisp. Mind you this is connected via the Airpods Pro. So I played the same song on both my iPad Pro 2018 and the new iPad Pro M4 and swap the Airpods connection between both and it is super obvious that the new iPad Pro M4 had some muddled sounds

Yes, I brought mine to the store where I purchased it and all of their units there faced the same issue so even if I wanted to swap it, it would just be a waste of time. Unfortunately I don't have an Apple Store yet in my country (opening later this month).

I am in the same case, bad sound (iPad 11 M4) versus my old iPad (2020) that was great.

I think apple will make an exchange but if it is just for another model that present the same issue it will be lost time.

I would like apple to indentity clearly the problem and communicate about it.

Hello,

Please report back on the results of your Genius Bar session.

Thanks.