iPhone 17 Pro Max bottom right speaker not playing sound

"iPhone 17 Pro Max bottom right speaker not playing sound: the bottom right speaker on my iPhone 17 Pro Max is not playing any sound. With speaker mode the sound is coming only from the top speaker that you use when holding to year ear. I’ve checked and reset all the settings I can but still no change. Any suggestions welcome. I’m booking Genius Bar time to investigate further."

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Audio Balance Being Off:

A. If Occurring in Third-Party Apps:

Some app have their own feature for setting the audio balance. So, be certain the app, itself, is not consolidated to one-side-only.

B. Update your iPhone iOS:

There may be some bug fixes here and about, and installing an update is what this is all about. iOS26.1 is the most-recently released iOS version that is compatible with your iPhone model(iPhone 16 Pro), as of this reply. So, update to it, if not done so, already. Updates contain bug fixes, and feature enhancements.

First, see if an Update is Available:

1. Go to: Settings
2. Tap: General
3. Tap: About
4. Verify: iOS 26.1 is shown.

If so...

1. Back Up First:

IMPORTANT: If you have an option to update, however, then be certain you backup your iPhone first. That way, you will have something to restore your iPhone from should anything go wrong with the update

then...

2. Proceed with the Update:

You can update from within the iOS, itself, or through a computer, or Cellular. If having issues with WiFi, you can update through Ethernet on your computer. (IMPORTANT: If you do not have unlimited data cellular, then avoid using the Cellular, and try updating through a computer, or on the iPhone, itself, instead).

• Update your iPhone Using a Computer - User Tip
• Use an iPhone 12 or later, that is using 5G, in order to update over Cellular - User Tip

Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Balance - make sure it is in the middle at 0.00