Q: iPad air 2 pop noise

ToastyFlake wrote:

 

I tried your test method.  Thankfully, my replacement Air 2 still doesn't pop, with or without headphones.

Do you have keyboard sounds enabled or disabled?

Hello again

So it's important, isn't it

Since I disabled keyboard sounds and lock sound the iPad doesn't pop anymore - so 100% software.

Keyboard Clicks and Lock Sounds are both on.

I think it's hardware. New hardware certainly solved the problem for me.

If it's hardware - there couldn't be a workaround

why could there not be a "work around"?

Yeah, you can turn of notifications or keyboard clicks, but then there's NO SOUND. How is that a fix?!

You're right! I was really upset when I wrote that msg. Obviously I could not sell a faulty device to anyone.

I've returned my iPop to Apple for a second inspection along with a very thorough written description of the problem and a video link. Hopefully they'll offer me a full refund this time.

This ordeal really put me off from wanting a new iPad...

So it is software because you disabled certain sounds? I tried that on other devices with out success but if it is working for you then great there maybe an EQ issue with your device. I believe that there is not just one answer to this problem I also believe that there maybe several different problems that have the same side effects.  

In any case I have been fact gathering and your process seemed to work for you so I wanted to know I little more because there has been several others that did the same and got the same result as you and others, such as myself, tried it and it did not work. Also are you getting a loud pop or a more of a clicking sound not very loud?

TP1999,

may I also inquire if the new update helped?

After this latest update to: iOS, OS, and so far anything iDevice and iTunes. In some cases there were several updates over the last few days. That is a lot of code patching going on all at once. I was wondering if there was any correction to the popping iPads. I know it was not mentioned in the list of bug fixes but Apple could put their patches and bug fixes in their Security updates to protect Apple and their customers 'privacy'. In addition some security updates are information gathering too. They do this to find code errors or other security issues to help solve other problems.

TP1999 wrote:

 

Hello again

 

So it's important, isn't it

 

Since I disabled keyboard sounds and lock sound the iPad doesn't pop anymore - so 100% software.

Of course it does reduce the number of pops but it doesn't solve the problem completely (on my iPop Air 2). The pop occurs when the speakers are turned on coz they are  off to save energy when they are not needed. No keyboard sound means no pop when typing an URL in safari, a code to unlock the unit, something in a text input field etc. But everything else that produces sound can still make a pop when audio output starts. For instance an audio/video playback, an app that plays a background sound on start and so on. And to make things even more complicated, it seems the bug comes in different flavors. For example, my unit never lost audio output completely, it "only" makes the loud pops occasionally.

Well, ToastyFlake gets no pops with keyboard and lock sounds on and that means there is a difference in hardware.

I don't say our problem can't be fixed with a software update but it is obvious that some iPads don't need a fix.

Exactly, that makes it a bit tricky, because of the different bugs that occur.

But the fact, that the speakers only pop when they were activated (Safari/YouTube/text Input field), gives us the Chance that it can be fixed with an update.

What do you think?

I get only one loud pop and then the sound is gone.

But when i disable both keyboard and lock sounds and then restart the iPad, it works without any issues or pops.

Only one time the iPad did this awful Sound when closing the smart case.

And Btw: this was fixed with an update

TP1999 wrote:

 

Exactly, that makes it a bit tricky, because of the different bugs that occur.

 

But the fact, that the speakers only pop when they were activated (Safari/YouTube/text Input field), gives us the Chance that it can be fixed with an update.

 

What do you think?

That depends on the nature of the problem. Perhaps it is possible to tweak the audio driver to get rid of the pops.

Well, according to the iFixit tear down report, the Air 2 audio section is powered by two Maxim Integrated Boosted Class Amplifier chips. I've been on Maxim Integrated's website and read the specifications of their chips. They feature an integrated boost converter to deliver a constant output power over a wide range of battery supply voltages. That's combined with an automatic level control using a battery tracking function that reduces the output swing as the supply voltage drops, preventing collapse of battery voltage.

What if this feature isn't properly implemented in some chips due to a manufacturing error?

If this battery tracking function isn't working properly, I can imagine that the amps pump more current into the speakers than they should.

Of course, this is all speculative but I doubt something like that could be fixed in software.

I've already thought of something like that.

But I think Apple thinks before they put parts in their products... What doesn't mean that they can't make mistakes.

...I still think that it can be fixed with an update that eliminates software/driver bugs, because Amplifiers can be addressed by the system right?

So in the best case, Apple "only" has to adjust some lines of code from iOS and the problem will be gone.