M1 MacBook Air display lid makes a "sticky" noise when opened

[Alfred.Woodden]

Even my MacBook Pro 14 2021 that I got yesterday is making this sound. This is actually a replacement laptop, the first one I got didn't have this sound. Should I ask for a replacement since its brand new?

Lol, I just sold my M1 13 last week and bought a one month used base 14. It makes the sound too. dude, this is just how it is. I've had four macbook pro (Intel 2018, 2x M1 2020 and now M1 14 2021) now since 2018 and they all make that suction sound. I give up hahaha.

 

[lumpycustard]

Even my MacBook Pro 14 2021 that I got yesterday is making this sound. This is actually a replacement laptop, the first one I got didn't have this sound. Should I ask for a replacement since its brand new?

Do you want to waste your time replacing your laptop and recovering backups for hours only to have the same result?

It is the sound of rubber separating from the top cover of the MacBook. You can’t “fix” this by replacing your laptop because there is literally nothing to fix. Think for a minute.

 

[undercover2020]

True, but my first laptop, the one I got before replacement was fine but one of the keys was not working properly. I have an M1 Air too and it doesn't make that sound. Im guessing it is something to do with the glue they used to attach the rubber. (The option key side is also broken). Anyways I am going to an apple store with the laptop to see what they say. I will let you guys know what they say.

 

[undercover2020]

Do you want to waste your time replacing your laptop and recovering backups for hours only to have the same result?

It is the sound of rubber separating from the top cover of the MacBook. You can’t “fix” this by replacing your laptop because there is literally nothing to fix. Think for a minute.

As I expected, the screen alignment was off. They had to realign the screen! So there is a "fix" since there was a problem. Anyone who has this issue take it to apple, they might realign the screen (Not sure, but they did that to mine). Just got my MBP back and it isn't making that noise.

 

[Alfred.Woodden]

As I expected, the screen alignment was off. They had to realign the screen! So there is a "fix" since there was a problem. Anyone who has this issue take it to apple, they might realign the screen (Not sure, but they did that to mine). Just got my MBP back and it isn't making that noise.

How was it realigned? What was misaligned precisely? The lid looked like it fit the bottom case just fine, and all three of my 13" made that sound. I find it hard to believe all three were misaligned.

 

[undercover2020]

I am not sure, I dropped it off and the next day the sound wasn't there when they realigned. Maybe you got unlucky with your macs. ?

 

[Alfred.Woodden]

I am not sure, I dropped it off and the next day the sound wasn't there when they realigned. Maybe you got unlucky with your macs. ?

Give it a couple more days, I'm sure it'll come back... sadly.

 

[undercover2020]

Give it a couple more days, I'm sure it'll come back... sadly.

It has actually been close to 3 days since I got it back, I kinda forgot to update you... ?

 

[Alfred.Woodden]

Ah, okay, well I'm happy it worked out for you. I sold mine, and upgraded to the new 14. It has its own problems hahahah f**k I give up ?? Come to think of it, I've always had issues with every single Apple laptop I've owned since my PowerBook 12" in 2006 up until this 14" bought now in 2022. This is my 11th Mac. The only one I was actually truly happy with and had no issues was the first redesigned iMac 2012 witht the thin border. That machine was amazing. But all of their laptops have had issues. Small, yes, but big enough for my ocd to be annoyed. Maybe at some point I'll get the Studio display and just dock this 14" into it and have a new portable "iMac".

 

[undercover2020]

Ah, okay, well I'm happy it worked out for you. I sold mine, and upgraded to the new 14. It has its own problems hahahah f**k I give up ?? Come to think of it, I've always had issues with every single Apple laptop I've owned since my PowerBook 12" in 2006 up until this 14" bought now in 2022. This is my 11th Mac. The only one I was actually truly happy with and had no issues was the first redesigned iMac 2012 witht the thin border. That machine was amazing. But all of their laptops have had issues. Small, yes, but big enough for my ocd to be annoyed. Maybe at some point I'll get the Studio display and just dock this 14" into it and have a new portable "iMac".

Ok that's some next-level unluckiness, if that's even a word ?

 

[darngooddesign]

You can test the vacuum theory by putting something on the palm-rest that is thick enough to ensure a seal isn't created while closed. If it still makes a sound then its the rubber sticking to the aluminum coating. If its the stickiness of the rubber, and not the rubber creating a seal when closed, then before you take your next shower run your fingers through your hair and then run a finger around the rubber to make the surface a little oilier.

On the other hand, if the assumption is that all MacBooks make that sound then the one you had which didn't was technically broken because the screen was slightly out of alignment.

 

[spiderman0616]

Lol, I just sold my M1 13 last week and bought a one month used base 14. It makes the sound too. dude, this is just how it is. I've had four macbook pro (Intel 2018, 2x M1 2020 and now M1 14 2021) now since 2018 and they all make that suction sound. I give up hahaha.

I'm really surprised to hear this. I had the issue on my M1 MBA--it seemed like the rubber gasket was air-locking the MBA shut and if I hadn't used it in a few days it would be a little harder to open than usual.

However, I have both sizes of the new Pros and neither of them do it. In fact, I'm still not used to how easy it is to open each one.

 

[darngooddesign]

People on the internet: Apple is bad because they allow dust to get on the screen when the lid is closed.

People on the internet: Apple is bad because they don't allow dust to get on the screen when the lid is closed.

 

[Chevysales]

My 16" Max does same thing and sounds like rubber gasket around top half makes good contact with its bottom half surface.
Nothing is "misaligned" on mine and all one needs to do is feel outer edge all-around as it would show any "alinement" issue.
That's one of the first things I check out when looking at a new laptop before I even open it. Ive always checked fit and finish since my first rMBP late 2013. Now 5 MBP's later that's one area I've never had complaint about fit and finish always good for me. YMMV

To be clear on mine there is no clicking noise just the sound of a gasket separating from its surface.

Cleaning the entire Laptop with water and good microfiber then running clean finger tip along that gasket covering top and sides of monitor area and one can actually feel that the rubber is doing it and nothing is "wrong" at all.

Most I have handled have same thing some louder than others but its there (many won't hear it because environment is quite enough to) and IMO its by design it keeps a seal which it should.

But I hope those who this bothers find relief either thru Apple or on their own. I have OCD with many things and fully understand how certain issues can drive you crazy.

 

[undercover2020]

People on the internet: Apple is bad because they allow dust to get on the screen when the lid is closed.

People on the internet: Apple is bad because they don't allow dust to get on the screen when the lid is closed.

I ain't complaining about the dust, I am complaining about my screen being misaligned 😑

 

[Zeyu]

My M1 MacBook Pro makes that sound as well, and I asked for a replacement, but the new one doesn't. There are 12 M1 MacBook Pros in my office, I tested them all, and 3 (or 4, I don't remember) of them have this sound. I guess this problem does not happen to all, but it does happen. If there is an Apple Store near you, you should go and ask Genius Bar, and ask if they can fix it. Anyway, if it doesn't bother you, you don't need to worry about it.

By the way, I found another problem with mine, as the picture showed, there is a gap between the rubber band and the keyboard kit, I only noticed this problem on 6 of 12 Macs in my office, and I checked out my friend's 16-inch model, his does, so is this a common problem?

 

[t0rqx]

Even my MacBook Pro 14 2021 that I got yesterday is making this sound. This is actually a replacement laptop, the first one I got didn't have this sound. Should I ask for a replacement since its brand new?

I definitly would.

 

[t0rqx]

My M1 MacBook Pro makes that sound as well, and I asked for a replacement, but the new one doesn't. There are 12 M1 MacBook Pros in my office, I tested them all, and 3 (or 4, I don't remember) of them have this sound. I guess this problem does not happen to all, but it does happen. If there is an Apple Store near you, you should go and ask Genius Bar, and ask if they can fix it. Anyway, if it doesn't bother you, you don't need to worry about it.

By the way, I found another problem with mine, as the picture showed, there is a gap between the rubber band and the keyboard kit, I only noticed this problem on 6 of 12 Macs in my office, and I checked out my friend's 16-inch model, his does, so is this a common problem?

View attachment 2004960

Yes this happens. It should be fixed under warranty or replace it under return period if there is one.

 

[Zeyu]

Yes this happens. It should be fixed under warranty or replace it under return period if there is one.

Hmm...Apple's quality seems doesn't meet my expectation. I have asked for replacement for several times and they all have this problem, I asked Apple's specialist but they have no idea.

It's under return period by May 28, I will try to ignore it... ?

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I’m pretty sure it’s to do with the rubber sealant on the lid making contact with the aluminium on the enclosure. It’s happened with three MacBooks that I’ve owned, nothing to worry about

 

[SwiftyAlek]

I have an similar problem during opening M1 MBP.
Is that guys what you talking about?

Its happening only once eg. after night.

 

[Bob_DM]

Oh no my MacBook Pro retina 2015 has a problem I never noticed until checking after reading this treat! To late for a refund … 🥶😂

 

[amrbabdelaziz]

My theory is that the it is creating a vacuum inside the rubber screen gasket, but I don't have an afflicted computer. To test this you need to place something on the edge of the palm-rest, which is thick enough to prevent the gasket from sealing against the metal surface, and see if the sound still happens when a vacuum isn't created because the gasket can't seal against the metal.

If your theory is correct then why if you hold a white microfiber cloth and wipe the rubber screen gasket very lightly you end up with black line in the cloth. I think the rubber gasket is deteriorating from heat and this is why it “sticks” to the base. What do you think?

 

[darngooddesign]

If your theory is correct then why if you hold a white microfiber cloth and wipe the rubber screen gasket very lightly you end up with black line in the cloth. I think the rubber gasket is deteriorating from heat and this is why it “sticks” to the base. What do you think?

FWIW my M1-Pro MBP leaves a black line on a microfiber cloth if I rub it against the gasket.

A deteriorating gasket probably would leave residue on the top plate.

Did you test my theory?

 

[amrbabdelaziz]

FWIW my M1-Pro MBP leaves a black line on a microfiber cloth if I rub it against the gasket.

A deteriorating gasket probably would leave residue on the top plate.

Did you test my theory?

I mean it make sense, but then I am surprised that even my M3 has the same issue. It is noted that I didn’t have this issue when I first bought it earlier in winter, now it’s scorching 35 degrees indoors summer heat 🥵 and all of the sudden I started to have this issue for the first time since I bought it. It is very annoying as sometime you left up the entire weight of a MacBook Pro 16 just to open the Lid