Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
AirPods Pro: Rattlegate
- Thread starter MacRumorsRanger
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Sure... not a firmware/software issue
Right that much I got.
but what im wanting to know is if ones shipped with newer firmware, or even newer assembled ones, are less prone to this issue
or if some people always using noise cancelling vs. some using transparency mode are affected more
is there a general consensus on either of those?
And are there any people, who've chimed into this thread after several months and still dont have the issue whatsoever?
I understand its biased towards peopel that do, but I have pro AirPods that dont for example and im just a lurker.
Though I've only casually used mine for about a month now
Add me to the list of victims. It was really prominent in my left AirPod and there just a little in my right. Apple replaced both.
Thought I had rattle, but turns out that it was just the AirPods banging into my earrings when I ran. Felt really dumb at the apple store.
Edit: Sorry, I missread your post. Earrings, not ears. That makes sense.
Last edited:
Had the rattle gate, started on the right airpod pro which I sort of let it go until it started happening to the left. a 5 minute chat later with apple, they sent me replacements for both. all good again.
Glad I'm not the only one suffering from APP issues. I'm on my third set so far. Got them on sale back in May from Amazon, and after a couple days the right pod had slightly weaker base and it started to make a rumbling noise whenever I moved my head. It sounded like when it's in "Off" mode and not cancelling out internal body noises anymore, but then ANC and transparency modes still generally worked. The tip fit test also always failed 100% matter what tip I used despite it passing 100% when I first got them.
Got a replacement set from Amazon since it was in the return period and those were fine for a few months until the same annoying rumbling issue started happening with both pods. I put up with it for a few weeks and then decided to contact Apple Support and got free replacements sent to me under warranty. They sent out a new pair and I had to send the old ones back. Before I sent the faulty pair back, I compared the the two sets and sure enough the new set passed the tip fit test 100% of the time, clearly had more bass, and seemed to cancel out noises a bit better as well. Same firmware versions, happens when connected to different devices or no devices.
Now I've had these replacements for about week and the right side is acting up *again*. It's rumbling and always fails the fit test with all 3 tips no matter how I adjust it in my ear. Never dropped them or exposed them to liquid or anything, and I've been basically babying them this whole time. People online are saying it's a cleanliness thing but I haven't even went outside with them or exposed them to dust or anything in the few days I've had my latest set. I'm not a slob. They're also supposed to be sweat/dust resistant so it would still be a big flaw if some tiny specks of dust could cause this. Tried the tape trick which doesn't help, might try the tack thing next. They just seem to start making this irritating internal rumbling noise after a while. Ugh.
Wonder if there's any way to get a refund on these. They're really great when they're working properly, but 3 faulty sets is just ridiculous.
Got a replacement set from Amazon since it was in the return period and those were fine for a few months until the same annoying rumbling issue started happening with both pods. I put up with it for a few weeks and then decided to contact Apple Support and got free replacements sent to me under warranty. They sent out a new pair and I had to send the old ones back. Before I sent the faulty pair back, I compared the the two sets and sure enough the new set passed the tip fit test 100% of the time, clearly had more bass, and seemed to cancel out noises a bit better as well. Same firmware versions, happens when connected to different devices or no devices.
Now I've had these replacements for about week and the right side is acting up *again*. It's rumbling and always fails the fit test with all 3 tips no matter how I adjust it in my ear. Never dropped them or exposed them to liquid or anything, and I've been basically babying them this whole time. People online are saying it's a cleanliness thing but I haven't even went outside with them or exposed them to dust or anything in the few days I've had my latest set. I'm not a slob. They're also supposed to be sweat/dust resistant so it would still be a big flaw if some tiny specks of dust could cause this. Tried the tape trick which doesn't help, might try the tack thing next. They just seem to start making this irritating internal rumbling noise after a while. Ugh.
Wonder if there's any way to get a refund on these. They're really great when they're working properly, but 3 faulty sets is just ridiculous.
Last edited:
Anyone apply today's firmware update yet (9.14.20)? There aren't any notes apparently, so just wondering if there's any potential fix in there.
(And I'm just lurking -- I want to buy a pair of these but this issue has made me wary.)
(And I'm just lurking -- I want to buy a pair of these but this issue has made me wary.)
I updated mine, the issue with static noise seems to be fixed. I've been on a run this morning and no issues (which is a first with my AirPods Pro). The noise cancelation seems to be improved as well as the sound. I don't know what Apple has done but there is certainly a BIG improvement.
I’m gonna counter.
My right APP has had the rattle problem for a bit. I’m waiting for the replacement.
I just noticed today the speaker is always rattling now, not just in one of the modes. It sounds like the speaker is blown. It’s very very annoying.
weird, I’ve just been using mine again to watch the Apple keynote and I’m not getting any issues that I had before (ie static noise when using the noise cancellation).
it’s very weird that the issue seems to be resolved for some, but not others!
I think this is caused by one of the noise cancelling mics picking up vibration(movement) and then spitting what it thinks is the reverse out into your ear. https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/WEpddnsSXf3wurQM.huge
See that metal wire running across that mic? If I could afford to I would take my left one apart and see if that is already loose. Just my wild guess.
If a firmware issue fixes it then I would bet they simply disabled one of the mics, or eliminated via software the frequencies the mic picks up that correspond to whatever is commonly coming loose and vibrating. This would also explain why it might fix it for some but not others because there may be multiple sources of vibration at different frequencies.
See that metal wire running across that mic? If I could afford to I would take my left one apart and see if that is already loose. Just my wild guess.
If a firmware issue fixes it then I would bet they simply disabled one of the mics, or eliminated via software the frequencies the mic picks up that correspond to whatever is commonly coming loose and vibrating. This would also explain why it might fix it for some but not others because there may be multiple sources of vibration at different frequencies.
Last edited:
So I finally reached out to apple about my crackling issues and after a little annoyance (first support person didn't know the new firmware was the current one causing me to attempt to force update 4 times before realizing their mistake). They are replacing both. My right one is def the worst but left is basically where right was a few months ago.
I did notice that with the new firmware my crackle isn't quite as obvious as it was on the old firmware, but its not gone so I am glad to finally have replacements on the way.
I did notice that with the new firmware my crackle isn't quite as obvious as it was on the old firmware, but its not gone so I am glad to finally have replacements on the way.
It's only been a few days since the new firmware was released, but judging by the few reports in this thread since then, the firmware seems to reduce but not eliminate the buzzing for those that have the issue?
Has the new firmware restored the ability to run a successful fit test for anyone?
I bought my pros on the release date last october. I had them both replaced a few months ago because of the rattle (and inability to run a successful fit test, even though the test ran successfully when they were new). The replacement airpods both passed the fit test with medium and large ear tips. It was less than a month later before the fit test failed for me. I just tried running the fit test now that I've had the airpod firmware update and ios 14 update... I still get a failed test.
I understand and agree with the consensus that this issue seems to be hardware - caused by several of the noise cancellation microphones. I'm a little surprised that the latest firmware doesn't 'resolve' this issue in some way (ie, by relying less on the failing microphones to complete a fit test... basically 'faking' the result to some degree). Hopefully this is an indication that there will be an updated hardware version and replacements offered outside of that warranty period that's ending soon for many of us...
Has the new firmware restored the ability to run a successful fit test for anyone?
I bought my pros on the release date last october. I had them both replaced a few months ago because of the rattle (and inability to run a successful fit test, even though the test ran successfully when they were new). The replacement airpods both passed the fit test with medium and large ear tips. It was less than a month later before the fit test failed for me. I just tried running the fit test now that I've had the airpod firmware update and ios 14 update... I still get a failed test.
I understand and agree with the consensus that this issue seems to be hardware - caused by several of the noise cancellation microphones. I'm a little surprised that the latest firmware doesn't 'resolve' this issue in some way (ie, by relying less on the failing microphones to complete a fit test... basically 'faking' the result to some degree). Hopefully this is an indication that there will be an updated hardware version and replacements offered outside of that warranty period that's ending soon for many of us...
First time user here on Macrumors and I just wanted to add to this Rattlegate drama
I experienced the same problem in both airpods, so I sent in a service request. They sent a replacement left airpod, but won't ship out the replacement right airpod citing "shortages." They have no problem putting a hold on my credit card for both airpods, but won't bother to even give me a sense of timeframe for the right airpod to be sent out. All I get it is, "it will be sent out as soon as possible." It has already been three days since payment, and I am frustrated being left out in the lurch.
And I know that these replacements will fail. It will only be a matter of time.
I experienced the same problem in both airpods, so I sent in a service request. They sent a replacement left airpod, but won't ship out the replacement right airpod citing "shortages." They have no problem putting a hold on my credit card for both airpods, but won't bother to even give me a sense of timeframe for the right airpod to be sent out. All I get it is, "it will be sent out as soon as possible." It has already been three days since payment, and I am frustrated being left out in the lurch.
And I know that these replacements will fail. It will only be a matter of time.
You describe it well and that's exactly what happened with mine, though I haven't gotten them replaced yet.
(I also didn't think to do the fit test again until a lot later, because I did it a ton when I first got them, and it always passed, so I thought for a while it was firmware which was released coincidentally right at the time I started having the problem)
I don't want to spam up these forums, but here is this - which could help a lot of us:
CarePodd Cleaning Device For AirPods
CarePodd is the worlds 1st and only electronic AirPods and Earphone cleaning device. CarePodd’s patented technology cleans & disinfects your AirPods safely and effectively.
I posted that one other place. Looks like it will work, IF they modify it to clean the top mesh too. I've tipped them off to the problem and the need, for so many people.
BUT --- don't buy this yet, anyone! Right now it looks to only clean the speaker mesh, not the mesh with the microphone that's used for noise cancelling. I have a CarePodd on the way to me, in the hopes that it can soon do what we need.
Just wanted to make people aware something like this was out there, just only now shipping, because it's the only thing I've see to do this. Obviously some people will just want a refund on their AirPods Pro, but they're so dang good when they're good - what I want is for them to stay good.
I've got a replacement pair for mine that developed the rattle. I've barely used them since due to lock down, but when I do I make sure I use a wet wipe to clean my ear before putting them in.
Anyway, I got some lint caught in the internal mics and realised that reuseable lint roller work perfect for cleaning the grills - without leaving residue. It's like the blutac method but doesn't leave anything in the grills.
The types I mean is this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hangerworl...ds=reusable+lint+roller&qid=1600502417&sr=8-6
No glue is used. Cleaned them up perfectly upon examination with a magnifying glass.
Anyway, I got some lint caught in the internal mics and realised that reuseable lint roller work perfect for cleaning the grills - without leaving residue. It's like the blutac method but doesn't leave anything in the grills.
The types I mean is this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hangerworl...ds=reusable+lint+roller&qid=1600502417&sr=8-6
No glue is used. Cleaned them up perfectly upon examination with a magnifying glass.