Level 2

227 points

Popping Sound, MBP 2016

I have heard a strange noice from my MBP, and am not sure if this is expected or not. Model is MacBook Pro 2016 with Touchbar, 15 inch, Radeon Pro 460, 2.9GhZ i7, 2TB SSD.

The sound occurs rarely, there may be several days or more straight that I don't hear it, though when it occurs, it may happen 2-3 times in a half hour period. There is no association I can make with what I'm doing at the time, so I'm unable to recreate it. The sound is a single hollow "popping" noise, similar to if you slowly squeeze a plastic bottle until it crinkles. The sound is not very loud, but clearly audible, and sounds as if it is coming from approximately behind the trackpad. I've had no other notable problems with this computer to date, have made no modifications to any hardware, or used it in any abnormal way.

I'm not terribly bothered by the sound itself, but I'm aware that the battery is located roughly behind the trackpad, and I worry that an expanding battery might sound like this. The case is not flexed or distorted in any way, there is no abnormal heat being generated, and no smoke, smells, or fumes. I think this is unlikely to be the cause, but is serious enough that I would like an alternative explanation before I disregard it. Alternate explanations might be abnormal activation of haptic feedback, or flexing of internal components as adhesives or seals continue to cure since manufacturing (laptop manufacture date 12-19-2016). The OS X battery status is "Good", "No errors", Simplo model bq20z451, battery manufacture date 12-2-2016.

Thanks for any help!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.2), 15 Inch, Radeon Pro 460, 2.9GHZ i7

Posted on Jan 12, 2017 11:04 AM

Top-ranking reply

Sachin797

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Sep 13, 2017 9:01 AM

After numerous visits to the apple Service Centre I was able to convince them to replace my display. Got my laptop back today with a brand new display.

My initial tests confirm that replacing the display has fixed the popping sound issue.

I have also noticed that the new display does not make any noises when pressed against at the bottom of the screen. The new display feels more sturdy. Hopefully the issue won't reoccur again after extended usage. Fingers crossed!!

I urge everyone having this issue to be persistent and get the display replaced.

A big thanks to everyone who updated this thread, It was very helpful in getting the problem fixed!

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874 replies

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Mar 11, 2019 4:40 PM in response to techny.noob

"Your statement that “everyone is experiencing this off-the-bat” is inaccurate."

Actually it's not. I saw people with this issue on Macrumors. Many of the people complaining had the same issue as I did at the same time. Right out of the box. Once again people neglecting to buy AppleCare for a $3000 computer is simply their own negligence. A warranty is an insurance provided by the manufacturer to cover Manufacturer's Defects. In this case (along with many other computer manufacturers) Apple insures that your Mac is covered for repairs for 1 year of manufacturer's defects. After the one year warranty you don't get free service. Simple as that. I'm being realistic about this. Not just sticking up for Apple. If you want to be protected from manufacturer's defects after the one year warranty then you buy AppleCare.

Once again, that's the point of a warranty. It covers manufacture's defects. So if Apple has a known defect and you're out of warranty, then you have to pay to get it fixed if you decided against AppleCare. Dell, HP, Lenovo are all the same. They don't give you better service than Apple. They don't have less defects than Apple. That's the tech industry.

Mar 12, 2019 9:30 AM in response to DPJ

Ok, I see what you’re saying. Thanks for clarifying.

If, however, so many people are reporting this issue out of the box (like me, about 5 boxes), isn’t there an issue with QC testing before selling these MBPs?

Since the issue happened upon “opening the box”, it should have been picked up by someone testing the MBP before packing it into the box (I’m assuming they test each computer, maybe I’m wrong).

Mar 30, 2019 12:34 AM in response to Michael DN

I have MacBook Pro (15-inch 2016) and I have had this problem for a while. It doesn't really affect the laptop's performance (to the best of my knowledge), ** I work with audio (and my AppleCare ended), so it is really inconvenient.

Is anyone taking action regarding this issue? I'm not being able to find anything online yet.

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Mar 30, 2019 8:37 AM in response to JuanJVelasquez

When you say your AppleCare ended did you mean you bought the AppleCare Plus service plan when you bought the MacBook Pro? Most people (including myself) who had this issue experienced it during the first year of the warranty so why haven't you had this fixed by Apple during your warranty?

Also what do you mean when you ask if anyone is taking action?

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Mar 30, 2019 10:33 AM in response to PanchoMac

Did you come here with an agenda? How is what you are posting being helpful to the discussion forum? I'm posting my experiences about the problem with solutions. You're only making blanket statements about hearsay on forums.

Mar 30, 2019 10:54 AM in response to DPJ

Hello, I am explaining my experience and information that other users give. I am a user desepcionado with the brand and looking for a solution. It is not normal for one piece to fail on several computers. I feel that you lower the profile to this discussion and do not help to find a solution. do you work on apple? Greetings.

Degothia

Level 1

12 points

Apr 17, 2019 12:53 AM in response to Michael DN

Hi,

I am a (not so proud of anymore) of MBP 2016' top specs with the popping sound problem for the last 1,5 year and i have been waiting for an official response to the problem from Apple, just like the did with the keyboard. Do you have any update for the issue? I have already changed the screen once (when it was under warranty) and the problem disappeared only for 2-3 months.

WE need a official response to that.

Apr 17, 2019 2:46 AM in response to Degothia

Completely empathise, I was suffering from the issue for months with multiple replacement parts and then machines. Only after much pain and difficulty I got it resolved.

I’m lucky the Apple Geniuses in Singapore are very helpful.

But yes, we do need to hear from Apple officially. I’m also waiting.

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

May 9, 2019 7:22 AM in response to Community User

Hi, you're saying Apple won't help you? Just to be clear. Did you buy a 2016 MacBook in 2018 and it's out of warranty or did you buy a 2018 MacBook? Because if you bought a 2018 MacBook then you're still under warranty and I find it hard believe that Apple refuses to help you?

Jun 15, 2019 4:55 PM in response to James_at_NEV

I have a 15" mid 2015. It started to pop just a few months ago. I notice it only in the evenings, weird, and after I close it. I do have Mohave on it. The really strange thing is last night I shut it down and unplugged it. Didn't hear any pops. I was think too that it could be cooling down but I'm not on for hours. And don't notice it as much during the day. I'm confused. I wish they had an answer. Other than this it's been a gem.

Jun 22, 2019 6:11 PM in response to titfromisere

This is exactly what is happening to my 13" 2017 MBP (No touch bar) I hear the noise when I open the laptop the first time but not when I try to recreate immediately after. then I hear the noise occasionally during regular use/if the fans kick on.

csrrs

Level 1

8 points

Jul 6, 2019 9:45 AM in response to Michael DN

I have the same problem on my MBP 25" late 2017. They already replaced the keyboard (the speakers blown out too) but I have the exact same problem AGAIN and in the meantime the warranty expired. It's very disappointing for me.

Degothia

Level 1

12 points

Aug 27, 2019 9:01 PM in response to Michael DN

Yes the problem reoccurred to me after 2-3 months and guess what I was out of warranty too...

Unfortunately I am considering the same thing . I really didn’t want to but since we have zero response whatsoever once I see a good offer for a surf book or a razer blade I am out :/

Aug 28, 2019 1:11 AM in response to Degothia

I have a 15" macbook pro late 2016 with touchbar - the macbook pro is in excellent condition with no visible dents and in excellent condition. I have not had any major issues until about 3 months ago when the loud popping sound relating to the hinge started.

The popping sound now occurs 90% of the time on opening the laptop and then constantly every 10-15 minutes or so during regular use. The popping gets really bad and loud when running energy intensive tasks like 3d rendering.

The sound can be easily created by pushing gently on the hinge - I can hear the case creaking. I have a feeling this has to do with thermal expansion but potentially adhesive failure, but am unsure.

I'd really like an official response from apple in regards to a fix - should I get some silicone and seal the edge of the hinge?

[Edited by Moderator]

Aug 28, 2019 1:51 AM in response to Degothia

You will find similar, or worse, issues with Razers. There is no perfect make and model just the hope that you can find a sample that is fine an will be well supported if and when issues arise. If you think Razers are perfect have a look here https://www.reddit.com/r/razer/comments/ar7r6j/all_the_problems_with_razer_blade_15_advanced/

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Popping Sound, MBP 2016