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!

View in context

874 replies

Jun 26, 2018 2:33 PM in response to mattrogers

I'm not convinced of it either. Now that I installed the beta software of MacOS and it seems to be working at least for now. Now, I'm thinking that MacOS had a bug in 10.13.4 and 5. I've had this problem that long. I'm not sure if we can call this a software issue now or not.

Jul 6, 2018 10:27 AM in response to Scott Haskin

I understand your pain. I went through a few different problems. But to make a very long story very short, they ended up replacing the top case, logic board and the display. After that was done, I STILL had the problem with playing DRM content. Apple ended up swapping the laptop completely out for a brand new 2017 model. I really have no idea how the problem could have still existed after replacing, everything....

I am happy to say that the Apple Store management went above and beyond to make sure that I was happy and satisfied with the outcome.

So far everything has been running okay. One kernel panic...I hope that is not a trend of something else!! Crossing fingers...

Aug 25, 2018 7:02 PM in response to Marios K

Yes, there are a couple, and they're gaining ground.

Here's one from discussions.apple.com:

My MacBook Pro 2018 version speakers are crackling.

And another one from the MacRumours forum:

MacBook Pro 2018 - Speakers Crackling | MacRumors Forums

Aug 25, 2018 7:44 PM in response to The_originalsam

The issue you are facing is little different version @The_originalsam.

There seems to be one kind where popping sound comes from near the speakers sometimes from left and sometimes right but not exactly from the speakers and its a actual hardware sound.

I had this problem before and got it resolved when Apple changed the logic board and the display panel.

However, now I do notice some popping soung from speakers. This happens when your computer is quiet, plays a notification, or plays any song, and goes back to quiet mode again. Its like switching off or disconnecting the speakers department of the circuit.
I hope this 'switch mechanism from state of on mode to off mode' is not transitioning smoothly leading to that noise/popping sound. And as the sound channel changes from speakers to headphone when you plug one, you are not noticing that issue.

Feels like this is the reason..

Sep 11, 2018 2:53 PM in response to Michael DN

I‘m in the same boat (MBP 2016 15“ Touch Bar). Several loud popping sounds coming from the case everytime the macbook has a tiny bit of load to do. This is so incredibly annoying and i‘m really disappointed with Apple ignoring this widely known problem. I‘ve chatted with the Apple support and they claimed they never heard of this problem (and even then it’s just a “cosmetic“ flaw they argued). My model was 2 weeks beyond the 12 month warranty so they refused to repair mine. One could argue why i haven’t contacted the support earlier but this problem developed over time and wasn’t as permanent in the beginning as it is now. Even though it may just be a „cosmetic“ failure it‘s such a disappointment having spent 3k on a top-of-the-line macbook that’s popping like a squeezed plastic bottle. And since i’m a student i’m not able to afford nor willing to arrange an out-of-warrranty repair (which apparently don’t even solve the problem for sure). Sorry Apple but i lost any trust in your products and service after being a fan for years.

If anybody will ever come up with a fix or Apple will finally accept this as what it is, a manufacturing error, and allow backdated repairs for this line, please let me know.

Sep 16, 2018 3:21 AM in response to ttz1

Yeaps, I changed my top case and display and it didn't work either - cuz the issue with my MBP 2016 was coming from the speakers/logic board. I got mine swapped for a MBP 2018 which has the different issue - it's not coming from the display.

Nov 2, 2018 4:32 PM in response to Michael DN

Hi there, I have this same issue. I'm running an 2018 MBP 15 (touchbar, Mojave 10.14). I have noticed this so far while browsing webpages with videos playing on the webpage in Firefox 62.0.3. If a video is playing on the webpage (Facebook, CNN, etc.), and if I scrolling up and down the page, then the popping/clicking sound will appear. It's very noticeable. I recorded a video of this here: Static noise - YouTube

I've seen this issue raised in various forums but haven't seen any conclusive reason for this popping sound. Any new updates on this issue?

Mar 12, 2019 9:22 AM in response to DPJ

“Actually it's not”.

Well, my statement is based on people reporting the issue with 2016 model.

I really agree with you that AppleCare is a must. Especially with the computers that Apple is putting out nowadays.

Mar 12, 2019 9:34 AM in response to DPJ

Also, for me anyway, changing the display didn’t work. They changed the display (issue remained), then changed the top case (issue remained), then changed the logic board — issue was then fixed, only to return again in 10 days.

They gave me a new computer after that.

May 9, 2019 8:53 AM in response to Community User

that answer is not valid. When a problem is repeated in several users it is attributed to construction failure. It does not go through the guarantee path as someone says in this forum, this corresponds to a program to change the defective part.

Jul 23, 2019 3:17 PM in response to mac-dude

Hello,

I left a message on this link, according to Apple's people read it and give an answer. I invite you to share your problems so that Apple realizes that this problem is more common than you think.

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

Aug 12, 2019 12:47 AM in response to sangtuan

It's not the hinges. You need to read the thread and then make an appointment at anApple store if it concerns you. This thread could have been quite short as the correct reason for this issue has been laid out a number of times.

brentg33

Level 1

8 points

Oct 23, 2019 6:27 AM in response to Michael DN

Hi all,

I have a 2016 MBP that has the same clicking/popping sound.

Because my AppleCare is about to run out, I took it in for a Genius Bar appointment.

They sent it out for repair. Just got it back today, they did replace:

Fan right

Fan left-a

vent/antenna module

However, the sound/problem has not been fixed.

I guess I should call apple but has anyone had a proper fix, and if so, what did they replace?

Thanks

Nov 4, 2019 7:48 AM in response to brentg33

Apple Is not clear the fault, some users have changed the display to solve the problem but other users don't. I was told that they unknown this judgment. I think that apple doesn't want to recognize this problem.

Every day a new user is added with this problem, not just in this forum. Apple should incorporate this problem into its replacement plan without cost. He did it with the butterfly keyboard. Because you don't do this with this problem???.

Greetings.

Nov 25, 2019 10:41 PM in response to brentg33

Brent, I hope that your laptop is fixed. For me, I've been to the Apple store three times. Each time the popping noise would be fixed for three months and then it would start up again. I have two receipts that show the display assembly was replaced and each time it hasn't made a difference. My warranty is done and now I think the only option is to sell it and buy another model.

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Popping Sound, MBP 2016