High pitched noise on AirPods Pro 3

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.

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.

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.

Those who are having the high pitch/feedback issue in the earbud(s) need to send it to Apple via the feedback app. This is the only way it will get to Apple techs to work the issue.

Feedback - AirPods - Apple

I have this issue with now my 3rd try on these Pro3`s, all 3 sets from apple store have had this noise and i cant stand it more than a few min. the first 2 sets i bought it the week it came out, figured it was a software bug and decided to just wait a bit, now i got it my 3rd time on nov 17 and it didn't happen right away but eventually it came back, not so much the super loud at moments high pitch screech but a constant howling noise like the window slightly being open on the highway. I'm Fully Convinced it is just this design and the way it sits in my ear. i tried every single ear bud combination, none of it works. i returned them and going to get the second gen

I bought a new pair of AP3 plus a set of Comply tips two days ago. So far so good, mo more “squealing’ sounds from either EarPod. Looks like you’re on to something here. Got any explanation as to why this combination seems to work? Other than that, kudos! :))

@GlenNZ1.. I've had no issues either since using the 'Comply' tips on my fourth (!) set of AP3's. I've used them for five days, for roughly 4 hours a day, without taking them out during that time. I guess I should now try and go back to the original (Apple) tips for a couple of days to see if things go south. I'll keep you posted!

Update: Last year I returned the Pro3 because of the pitched noise during flights. Some weeks ago I bought a new pair and - surprise - no feedback noise during flights! All fine.

Firmware is now 8B40, before was 8B39.

How are your experiences?

After a replacement of the left AirPod, then a full exchange for a new set, and still having the same issue, I decided to return them.. I’m still not sure if it’s a hardware or software issue, and it may have something to do with air pressure too, but I’m pretty sure the shape of my ear has something to do with the problem. I let my wife try the last ones I got and she wasn’t getting the high pitch audio feedback while I was getting it almost constantly. I’m just gonna wait to see if they fix it somehow and just then maybe buy them again

Left here, painfully high pitched noise and I can pinpoint it so far to if I cover the top side vent with my finger when adjusting the earbud, so, all the time. Really hurts too. Bought in Apple Store in the uk.

Same issue, more prominent on the left ear pod for some reason, but somehow it starts to migrate to the right a little bit as well. Had the issue during a six hour flight on an airbus A320 Neo, and then a Boeing 737 Max. For some reason, it didn’t happen on a Boeing 757 three hour flight, maybe pressure or the harmonics I’m not sure. Either way it is screeching really loud and painful. I had to turn off the ANC or transparency functions going to the Apple Store to see if they can replace. Hopefully they are not out of the left AirPod. Never had an issue flying for two years with the AirPod Pro 2.