Popping Sound, MBP 2016

My issue has persisted despite software updates, pressing the back of the screen in the centre below the logo did not create the sound, and it can't be replicated with the use of test tones on my mbp 15, like has been suggested, although subsequent pops after running the test tones seemed to be at a slightly lower pitch. AppleCare is at a loss, only suggesting the typical reseting of various things, which also did not have any effect on the popping. I was certain that the sounds came from the speakers, due to the sound and location, but today I had my headphones plugged in and the sound occurred just the same, which makes me reconsider. I really hope that Apple comes to a conclusion soon, I paid fortune for this thing and rely heavily upon it for my studies.

I get the same noise every time I open my laptop after it's been closer for more than probably 20 minutes. 15 inch late 2016 touch bar, 2.6 GHz I7, 16GB, Intel HD Graphics 530 1536 MB. Some are saying it's heat related, but really doubt it; it sounds like it's coming from the hinge. Pressing on the back of the hinge, like others have said, replicates the noise, even when it's open

However, I've also experience a completely separate popping noise from the speakers. I've had it happen maybe 3 or 4 times in the month or so I've had the computer. It's usually followed by a slight static/fuzz sound coming from the speakers. On once instance, the popping noise came in quick succession very loudly, unchanged by turning the volume down, and didn't stop until I shut the laptop off entirely. I would guess it's a software problem, but I really don't know.

Hi, also have a 15" MB Pro 2,9 with Radeon 460 and experience the random popping and a slight scratching noise coming from laptop after it is under thermal load. The frequency of the pops seem to increase the hotter the laptop gets. Already had it repaired once which fixed the stuck keys issue, but the noises remain.

I too am experiencing the popping noise issue. I went to the local Apple Store and the genius I spoke with had not heard of the issue. He even showed me when he queried their internal support app that this issue did not come up. I expected this from all the feedback on this thread already. However, that was not the point of my visit; I went there just to inform them. So I gave some very thorough feedback and demonstrated how pushing on the back of the screen near the hinge replicated the issue; All the while the genius was very attentive and took notes. From what I was able to see as he keyed in my feedback, the app had a pre-populated drop-down list with "Popping noise coming from computer" as an option. So it seems as though they are investigating this. I wouldn't expect anything to get fixed for a few months, but we should all still be covered under warranty within that time anyways. My popping noise happens once, at most twice, during the warm up phase as I've come to call it; after that it does not pop so I can live with it for now.

I'm starting to think there are 2 sources of the sound, as some are saying it can be replicated by pushing the back of the screen, some not. I'm in the latter category, mine is definitely coming from the speakers or under the keyboard. Last night it was popping every couple of minutes when I had excel and word running, it's the most it's ever popped and there wasn't too much load.

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows how widespread this issue is? I purchased a MBP exactly like the original poster has and returned mine because it had a problem where the screen would glitch when applying pressure to the bottom of the display, such as when cleaning with a microfiber cloth. I'd like to take the chance and purchase another but I'm worried about these other issues I'm hearing about, such as the popping noise and keyboard issues, which perhaps would show themselves down the line. Any advice?

I have been having the exact same issue. I have a mbp 15in 256gb solid state. model # MLH32LL/A

NOTE: I use the abbreviation of MacBook pro as MBP

I have noticed that it happens one of two ways.

1. I will be using the MBP at a very high-stress level IE: using premiere pro running a 4K video and using final cut pro in tandem.

2. I will be using the MBP stationary but charging and I will still encounter the popping sound.

Another note is that when the popping sound occurs, the trackpad area and around it (where the battery is) will get very hot without the cooling fans turning on unless I am using the computer as described in issue number one listed above.

troubleshooting I have done includes, restarting the MBP, re-installing OS Siera, doing a SMC RESET, and removing all information from the system and reinstalling everything. I have yet to find a solution.

I have contacted apple support and they were of no help. They did suggest going into an apple store to see a technician. I will be going there tomorrow, and I will update this if need be.

anything helps!!!

Ross

Hi guys,

Same thing here. I've posted a video up here:

https://youtu.be/HnoGhpi3ZkA

I have spoken to the Genius guys about it. I was pretty annoyed with the popping noises - I paid $AU4,300 for this machine and I expect it to be top-notch and high-end.

They offered for me to exchange the display. Still have to make an appointment with them as I wouldn't have the machine for 4-5 days whilst the repair is in progress.

Hey @cloudarch,
If you'll choose to repair the screen please update if it solve the problem.
In my opinion it'll fix the problem for the short time, i think it's a problem in the mechanism that connect the screen to the main unit.

Sorry for the multiple posts,

I've taken two of them into the Genius Bar and got really no help. Because I couldn't replicate the issue in store, there was really nothing the man who helped me could do beside escalate the issue to engineering. I've gotten no response.

If your computer is still under warranty, I would demand that Apple replace it if successive fixes don't resolve the problem which they're obligated to do by law and by the conditions of the warranty.

Update.

I was contacted by an Apple engineer and I explained the problem as much as I could.

He saw the video I recorded (https://vimeo.com/209637358) and passed it to the support team. Also, they'll take my MacBook back for further analysis. I hope to receive a new one asap!

So, basically, Apple is aware of the issue and they're actively investigating it.

Hi everyone,

In my case (tbMBP 15") this issue seems to be getting worse. At first I've only heard that popping sound occasionally, but lately it's really every few minutes. And it's also not limited to one area, although it mostly seems to stem from the screen hinge. But I've also heard pops coming from under the keyboard or rather the bottom of the MacBook.

It is getting quite annoying and I'm afraid that every tbMBP is affected.

Mine has never had the screen issue, it's always been from the body, i think it's coming from the speakers like some kind of electrical discharge, although it doesn't go away when headphones are in. I am getting mine checked out tomorrow, i will post the results.

Some of these sounds might be coming from the CPU Fans, which is why it appears under CPU stress (heat) which is when they hit their highest RPM. My 2015 had the same issue. I traced the sound down to the fan, changed it and its fine. I was out of warranty so apple had nothing to do with my fix. If you google "popping sound MacBook Pro 2015" you will see that that year model (mine) have the same issue, it didn't come as soon as the new ones tho.

Well, their Fans might have a design flaw, considering the possibility that the fans are the source of the sound. I also used to think that the song bad was the speakers, in my case was coming from the right side de of the keyboard because that's we're the fan is located in the 13" model. Yours guys is in the "center" cause there are two fans