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Excessive Wind Noise in Right AirPod Only - New Device, Latest Firmware


Dear Apple Support,

I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my recently purchased AirPods 4, specifically concerning excessive wind noise in the right earbud only.

Here is a detailed description of my situation:

Device Information:

  • Purchase Date: Early October 2024 (less than 2 weeks ago)
  • iOS Version: 18.1 (Latest version)
  • AirPods Firmware: Latest version (confirmed at Apple Store)
  • Warranty Status: Under warranty



Issue Timeline:

  • Issue started approximately one week ago, suddenly without any apparent cause
  • Visited Apple Store for diagnosis on October 21, 2024
  • Apple Store technicians found no hardware issues, yet the problem persists



Issue Description:

  • Only the right AirPod unit produces excessive wind/rushing noise
  • The left AirPod functions perfectly normally
  • This issue appeared suddenly, about a week after purchase
  • The problem persists regardless of the environment or volume level



Steps Already Taken:

  1. Visited the Apple Store for diagnostic testing (October 21, 2024)
  2. Had the AirPods checked by Apple technicians who found no hardware issues
  3. Confirmed that both iOS and AirPods firmware are up to date



Given that these are newly purchased AirPods and the issue started so soon after purchase, I believe this might be a defective unit. While the Apple Store found no hardware issues, the problem significantly impacts the usability of the device, especially considering these are premium wireless earbuds.

I would greatly appreciate either a solution to resolve this issue or a replacement unit, as this device is well within its warranty period.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

AirPods 4

Posted on Oct 21, 2024 8:01 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 28, 2024 5:06 PM

Identical issue with right AirPod 4 since 7A304 firmware update. Not possible to use Transparency, Adaptive or Noise Cancellation controls because of excessive ‘white noise’. Appears to be a sound feedback problem.


D



9 replies

Nov 2, 2024 6:19 AM in response to donal_landers

Update….discussed with Apple tech support. Tried to troubleshoot problem on another iPhone to try and replicate the issue. Same problem recurred so the AirPods 4 issue is localised to earphone and not iPhone, iOS software or specific apps.


AirPods 4 now returned to Apple to identify root cause of problem. Should hear back in several days from them with diagnosis.


D.

Nov 13, 2024 4:45 AM in response to donal_landers

Update...disappointed with Apple Repair Team response. Contacted Apple Adviser because repair window is now outside of SLA. AirPods sent to Apple Oct 30th, still no update on status and now Nov 13th. Apple Repair would not give any information on the status of the AirPods to the Adviser - no diagnosis of problem, whether it was being fixed, and importantly when my AirPods would be returned to me. Only option given to me by the Repair team, if I wanted my AirPods returned, was to have the AirPods4 returned unrepaired, i.e., cancel the repair altogether - quite a surprising and arrogant way of dealing with a customer. I provided this response as part of my feedback to Apple.


Just waiting to see what happens....

Nov 18, 2024 7:10 AM in response to donal_landers

I've had my right AirPod replaced and returned today with its original case and left AirPod. Just tested the AirPods 4 and they both appear to be working correctly now. There is no longer a white noise sound in the right AirPod when I select the Transparency, Adaptive or Noise Cancellation controls.


This indicates that it was a hardware fault with the right AirPod.


Hopefully, this issue won't occur again.


See report below.


D.




Excessive Wind Noise in Right AirPod Only - New Device, Latest Firmware

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