Airpods Pro 3 - low frequency sound leak in noise cancellation mode

Given the sporadic nature of the issue and the "enhanced" bass sensation, this sounds like a firmware-level phase-shift error or an internal microphone calibration bug rather than a simple fit issue. Because the ANC algorithm is failing to invert the low-frequency waves correctly—and is instead inadvertently reinforcing them—the hardware is likely experiencing "constructive interference" where it should be cancelling sound. Since you have already ruled out physical fit and toggled all Adaptive Audio settings, the next step is a full factory reset (holding the case button for 15 seconds until it flashes amber); if the "leak" persists after a reset on firmware 8A357, it points to a defect in the inward-facing microphone or the H3 chip's processing, warranting a hardware replacement under warranty.

I thought the problem was resolved but it has come back. The apple store tests showed not problem like everyone else, but I can replicate the problem exactly.

Using a tone generator like: https://www.szynalski.com/tone-generator/

The region where the noise cancellation is failing is between ~90 and 100Hz. It is also possible to hear a faint high pitch noise overlayed on the audio in the region where the ANC is failing.

For comparison the issue is not present on the Pro 2 which have no sudden fall off in cancellation between 90-100Hz.

26.4, 8B39.

Exact same behavior. Local apple support told me on the phone I should send feedback on Product Feedback - Apple. This way, we can attract attention on this problem.

Took them into authorized service two times, couldn't find a problem, tests passed.

Sometimes I can identify this problem on my Pro 2s, but they immediately "calibrate" themselves and exit this loop that the APP3s can't. It has to be a bug in the software.

After heavy testing on my side, it seems to be fixed for me in 98% of the time.

My initial post is this: Airpods Pro 3 - low frequency sound leak … - Apple Community

But as stated: I got replacement buds from another factory, which still had the issues, BUT new firmware helped.

On 8B34 in public transport I had ZERO low frequency leaks (surface level, underground trains, cars, taxi) WHEN the airpods were properly set in the ear and sealed good.

If you wear a hat or beanie or such thing, and on airpod slips just a little bit, resulting in not properly sealing THAN I have VERY little low frequency leak.

But if they were in correctly it was fine for me.

In the office they worked as intended, only if you remove them on by one and put them back in the ANC seems to get "confused".

popping them in case and back on fixed it every time.

Even at home with a big 3d printer besides me in homeoffice or my portafilter for espresso (lelit bianca v3) or my espresso mill (eureka mignon libra) which all produce a lot of deep rumble, were filtered perfectly.

I hope it stays that way or even gets improved.

I managed to return and replace my original app3 pair which i got on launch day, and the new pair seems to behave a lot better. it still seems to have the occasional slip up but it only lasts a few seconds before clearing up. I cant be certain if it is because of the latest firmware 8B34, or if the old ones were truly part of a bad batch which we are all part of. This new pair has behaved in every ambient noise condition that the old ones would fail in. Office, Planes, street. It even feels like the ANC is stronger than before. Also, going from adaptive to anc no longer triggers the leakage fault as it used to. All in all, whatever the issue was, at least for me, is not 95% fixed. Really hoping that they dont f it up with another update, and instead fix the last 5% without making ANC worse.

Update one today:

Used the AirPods for pure ANC without playing anything in office, pure for ANC reasons.

Used them for about ~1:05 hours, removed the right bud to scratch ear, put the right bud back in, the ANC leak started appearing, hearing my colleague talking the deep bass of the voice from him besides me.

Removed right bud again, placed it back, still the issue.

With both buds still in my ears, I removed the left one and put it back, the bass leak was gone.

So it seems, that the leak still exists but can be (temporally) fixed by removing one bud from ear, put in back in ear then the same with other side, and it's "fixed" for some time.

I've had the same issue, but the the recent firmware update (8A358) seems to have fixed it for me.

I've had this issue for like 9-10 months and never been fixed. I'm about to go crazy. Everytime this low frequency gets amplified, I have to factory reset.

The weird pattern I have noticed is that when I put on the pro 3 in a quiet environment (like at my house when leaving), the airpods maintains that "setting" and works perfectly. But then when I put it away and put it on again outside with loud sounds, it tends to begin amplifing the low frequency. Then, I would have to factory reset, but the thing is sometimes it don't even work. I would have to factory reset like 4 times to get it working. like I'm going to lose my mind.

When it works, it works great. but there's only a few times that it actually works flawlessly. airpods pro2 were perfect. it was flawless in terms of functionality. idk why this is an issue with pro 3.

I tried literally everything. The only thing that it seems to solve the problem temporarily is by factory resetting. I hope with ios 27, it fixes this issue.

for those having this issue, if you pay for applecare try getting replacement buds—on 8b30 with my replacement buds its gone. i think it was a hardware issue present on units manufactured earlier and i got mine on launch day.

Went to store to report the issue and try to get a replacement and after a test the guy said the left one indeed wasn’t working correctly. Which was the one that had this problem most often but the right also has the issue, but wasn’t detected during the test. Fingers crossed

Currently on firmware 8B34. Got a replacement unit once, but the issue persists.

I’m 100% sure it’s a sensor issue. When the modes are switched from "Off" or "Transparency" to "Noise Cancellation," the ANC works fine for a few seconds, suggesting it’s definitely not a fit/seal problem. Then the issue starts on one of either side with bass frequencies from outside(bus engines, outside music, ..) being gradually introduced, eventually getting to the point it’s louder than/more amplified from the actual sound.

I might have some weird ear canal, but I am pretty sure a sensor is constantly trying to "rebalance" the ANC when it’s already working fine, only to screw it up. If not being even able to properly engineer the product for different ears, why just already don't give us the option to disable the (atrocious) balance sensor?

It’s been months with plenty of community reports, yet Apple seems to be trying to sweep this under the carpet from the $250 earbuds' customers. They need to address this properly now.

I have the same issue here, even on 8B34. It's especially noticeable when in bed, suddenly hearing my sheets when I turn or read books. What also works for me is turning off and on ANC, which is weird as I don't even have to readjust them.

8B41 and still not fixed.

iPhone 13 Pro iOS 26.5

In my case, a complete reset of the headphones helps

Yesterday I installed 26.1 PB2 hoping for the yet unreleased AirPods firmware but it hasn’t yet installed. However, I’ve been using them all day today in the office where this issue would manifest regularly with and repeatable and so far I haven’t encountered it. Despite the AirPods being on the 8A358 firmware as they were before. Weird. Maybe coincidence or maybe it was iOS forcing them to screw up.