iPhone 18 Pro has repeated call crackling and speaker clarity concerns.

iPhone 18 Pro – Repeated Crackling Sound During Calls & Speaker Sound Clarity Concern

I purchased a brand-new iPhone 18 Pro on September 19, 2026, from an Apple Authorized Reseller. This is my first time purchasing an iPhone immediately after its launch.

Shortly after purchasing the device, I noticed a crackling/distorted sound while receiving phone calls through the earpiece.

I visited a Service Centre and explained the issue. The device was checked and iOS 27 was updated. After the update, the crackling sound disappeared, so I initially believed the issue had been resolved.

However, the same issue has started coming back randomly during phone calls.

What I have observed:

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• The crackling sound does not occur on every call; it appears randomly.
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• If I switch the iPhone off and on, the crackling usually disappears temporarily.
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• After a few more calls, the issue can appear again.
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• This has happened repeatedly even after the iOS update.
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I have also started noticing a possible sound clarity issue from the speaker while listening to music. I am not sure whether this is related to the call crackling issue, but the overall speaker clarity does not seem as clear as I expected from a brand-new iPhone 18 Pro.

Since this is a newly purchased device, I am concerned that this may not simply be a temporary software issue. Restarting the phone only provides a temporary improvement, while the problem keeps returning.

I would therefore like to request Apple Support’s guidance on proper diagnosis and, if the issue is confirmed to be with the device, consideration for a replacement unit rather than repeated software troubleshooting.

Could Apple Support or other iPhone 18 Pro users please advise:

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2. Is this crackling sound during phone calls a known issue?
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5. Has anyone experienced the same issue repeatedly after updating to iOS 27?
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8. Could this be related to the earpiece/speaker hardware or an iOS audio issue?
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11. Is the speaker sound-clarity concern potentially related?
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14. If the issue continues despite troubleshooting, would a replacement device be possible under warranty?
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I purchased the iPhone 18 Pro immediately after launch with the expectation of having a trouble-free new device. I would really appreciate a clear resolution from Apple, as having to restart a brand-new phone repeatedly just to temporarily eliminate the crackling sound is concerning.