Some iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max users are reporting a strange issue that is easy to miss at first, but hard to ignore once you notice it. When the phone is charging, the speakers can emit a faint static or hissing noise. Many describe it as sounding like an old radio quietly buzzing in the background.
The issue has surfaced across Reddit, Apple Support Communities, with users comparing notes and trying to figure out whether it is a hardware defect, a software bug, or something in between.
The Static Noise Only Appears While Charging
A common thread across reports is that the noise happens specifically when the iPhone is plugged in. As soon as the charging cable is removed, the sound disappears.
Users say the static can be heard in a few different scenarios:
- When audio is playing and the volume is turned very low
- When scrolling through webpages with no audio playing
- When the phone is idle but still connected to a charger
For some, the sound is subtle enough that it only becomes noticeable in a quiet room. Others say once they hear it, they cannot unhear it.
All Chargers Seem to be Affected
The issue does not appear to be tied to a specific charger or accessory. Users report the same behavior with:
- Apple’s official wired chargers
- Third-party wired chargers
- MagSafe chargers
MagSafe charging seems to reduce the intensity of the noise, but it does not eliminate it entirely. This has led many to rule out cheap cables or power adapters as the root cause.
Speaker Noise can Happen Even Without Audio Playback
One of the more unusual aspects of the issue is that the static is not always tied to sound output. Some users say the speakers hiss even when no media is playing at all.
In a few cases, users noticed a faint crackle when scrolling through apps or webpages, suggesting the noise may be linked to power delivery or internal electrical interference rather than audio processing itself.
Device Replacements Have Not Solved the Problem
Several affected users report exchanging their iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max for a replacement unit, only to experience the same issue again. This has reduced confidence that the problem is limited to a small batch of defective devices.
Because the noise is relatively quiet, it is possible that the issue is more widespread than reported, but only noticeable to users who are sensitive to subtle audio artifacts.
Apple is Reportedly Aware of the Issue
At least one user claims Apple Support has escalated the problem to Apple engineers. So far, however, recent iOS updates have not resolved the issue.
There is no official statement from Apple yet, and no confirmation on whether the fix will come via software or require hardware changes in future production runs.
A Subtle Bug that Flies Under the Radar
Unlike obvious speaker failures or loud distortion, this issue lives in the background. It does not interrupt calls or media playback for most users, but it does raise questions about power management and speaker shielding in Apple’s latest flagship phones.
For now, unplugging the phone remains the only reliable way to stop the noise.
If you own an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max and tend to use your phone in quiet environments, this is one of those quirks worth checking for. You might miss it at first, but once you hear it, it is hard not to notice.
