High pitched noise on AirPods Pro 3

Thanks for the update. Based on my previous theory here High pitched noise on AirPods Pro 3 - Apple Community I can’t see how any firmware update will fix this. I think they are going to have to re-design the EarTips to prevent the condensation / moisture buildup. It would be interesting to try the AirPod Pro2 tips on the AirPod Pro 3’s but obviously they don’t fit…

Comparing the design of the 2 models, the black mesh surface of the Pro 3 is more convex than the Pro 2 and therefore sticks out further and I suspect is actually touching the white mesh surface in the eartip. Any moisture would therefore get stuck there between the two layers …

I have done many more 2hr + bike rides since my post linked above and every time this issue starts, if I remove the tips, wipe the black mesh on the AirPod, and dry inside my ear it fixes the problem for the next hour, then I just keep doing it every hour to the end…

As expected - I can confirm:

THE NEW FIRMWARE UPDATE 8B34 DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE.

I installed the firmware update and took my AirPods on a 5 hour bike ride this morning to test. Right on queue exactly two- hours in, the clicking started followed by the feedback echo and then the high pitch squealing. No different to before.

So I removed the ear tips, wiped the white mesh inside the ear tip and the black mesh surface on the AirPod where they connect, waved them around the air for a bit to make sure they were completely dry. Reassembled and they worked fine for the next hour and a half - then same thing happened so I repeated the process to the end.

I am pretty sure the only solution here is for Apple to come up with a redesigned eartip to stop this from happening. I am tempted to get another pair of eartips, and experiment by cutting the mesh out of them to see if that makes any difference…

all very frustrating!!

Try the new firmware update 8B30. Fixed all the problems for me, which I’d had on two separate sets since day one of release.

I believe this is an issue related to air pressure. When taking a flight or driving at an altitude of 3000 meters (air pressure approximately 0.7-0.75 bar), enabling noise cancellation consistently produces a high-pitched noise. However, the noise cancellation function working perfectly when riding the subway at sea level.

I have had the AirPods inspected at an Apple Store, and no hardware issues were found. I am currently awaiting for a firmware update.

Feedback - AirPods - Apple

If replacing them still exhibits the issue then it may be a software bug. No one on here can say for certain until Apple announces being aware of an issue and plans to address it. But you’re in the return/exchange period so it won’t hurt to take advantage of it and see if it helps

Give this a try:   How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support 

I had this same issue with my right earbud roughly 4 weeks after using them. Eventually Apple replaced the right earbud and the issue has not returned. Also, I haven't been on a plane, my issue was feet flat on the ground.

Brought mine back to the Apple store - tech said they have seen quite a few come back. They swapped out the one causing a problem. Since mine only happened on an airplane it is hard to know if the issue is resolved until I fly again.

Same issue!  1hr45 into a bike ride with my AirPods Pro3 in transparency, Adaptive, or Noise cancellation mode they will start making a high pitch feedback loop noise in the Left AirPod, and then the right side will start after about 2hr45. 

This will continue for the remainder of the ride. About 3 hours after finishing riding the noise will gradually go away.  Turning off ‘Listening mode’ also makes the noise go away, but as soon as it is switched back on the noise returns.

I can disconnect from all Bluetoofh devices, and it makes no difference. I connect to my iPad, it makes no difference. Swap out the eartips/ rotate the eartips – makes no difference.

This happens Every time I ride my bike for more than 1 hr 45 – without exception. I have been through all

troubleshooting procedures under the guidance of senior Apple Technicians and no difference.

I returned my first pair of Pro 3 and they replaced them, but the replacement had the same issue. This is obviously a design / software / and/or manufacture defect and they are not fit for purpose.

Possibly a defective manufacture run and both pairs I received are from the same run?

I have contacted Apple again and are waiting for a response.  I have been cycling for years with all versions

of AirPod Pros on the exact same cycle route and never had any issues before. .  I have noticed the Pro 3 noise cancelling cuts out the wind noise much better than the previous models which is great!  But I suspect whatever they have changed to achieve this has caused the issue.

I can use my AirPods in my office without any issues, however it is a relatively quiet environment. I understand others are experiencing similar issues on Plane flights where the noise cancelling will be working hard to shut out the background hum - similar to the wind on my bike rides... I don't think this is related to altitude as some have suggested, I think it is related to the noise cancelling mechanism / software.

A couple of users reported removing the ear pieces, rotating them 180º and putting them back on fixed it for them. It's a long shot but any port in a storm.

This is the most plausible explanation of this issue that I found so far. The day I bought the AirPods they were working fine, got into a flight that same day and the high pitched sound on the left AirPod started happening. The next day went to an Apple Store, changed the faulty one, seemed to be working just fine until I got into another flight and the same thing happened on the same AirPod. What I find it weird is that it’s a software issue, why isn’t it happening more broadly? I guess I’ll try to get a replacement since who knows how long a software fix may take

Same issue here, bought in Switzerland (included with new MacBook Air purchase). The first week of use was great, but then the left AirPod Pro 3 started making a high-pitched sound that rises and stops abruptly, repeatedly (it's more intense when ANC is on). I just got off my first flight with them, and it was five times worse. Will go to Apple Store once back from holidays to request an exchange.

Left air pod makes the screeching noise when inserting and removing or adjusting in ear. tried all tips as loose or uncomfortably big they are. Got left one replaced at apple store and it is still screeching. Tried another persons left air pods and it is doing it. My AirPods Pro 2 are not doing this with any of the various tips. My AirPods pro 1 had the issue with the left one as well. I may try a 3rd party set of tips. It is really annoying. This is all at below 0-20ft above sea level

Same problem here, both AirPods.

first experienced the problem with the initial firmware. After upgrading the firmware to the latest version the problem remains. In airplanes they are useless.

I think it’s a software bug. Temporarily switched back to my Airpods pro 2 because it hurts my ears.

One thing I have noticed is that this tends to happen when there is some kind of consistent hum in the area. For example, in my office the HVAC system tends to produce a constant hum and often when I put in my AirPods this issue shows up. Same thing happens sometimes on airplanes when there is a constant hum in the background. Usually, if I move somewhere that is quieter and put them in, the issue stops. Not sure if this is the cause or not, but if anyone at Apple is paying attention to this thread, it's worth exploring.