Apple’s 2018 MacBook Pro hasn’t really settled well among the users ever since its release last month. The users initially complained of computers aggressively down-clocking CPUs during heavy use, following which Apple issued a software patch. Now, some users are complaining of one more irritating issue with Apple’s newest MacBook.
2018 MacBook Pro crackling speakers issue
Several users on Apple’s support forums and other online forums are now complaining about crackling speakers. As gathered by the complaints, the crackling sound happens during audio playback in both the 13-inch and 15-inch models. Also, so far there is no pattern seen that could help in identifying the 2018 MacBook Pro crackling speakers issue.
YouTube is loaded with videos talking about the 2018 MacBook Pro crackling speakers issue. As of now, there are no details if the irritating noise is due to some software or hardware glitch. The problem does not fade away by adjusting the frequency and volume of the audio playback either.
Users facing the problem have their own theories about what might be wrong with the speaker. While some are blaming iTunes, others are facing the same issue while watching YouTube videos. Moreover, speculations regarding the culprit have been ranging from the audio drivers or T2 chip to poor shielding causing radio interference.
Also, users booting into Boot Camp are facing similar issues, suggesting the issue might not be related to the macOS but rather a hardware issue. The problem, however, does not seem to be widespread, though it seems to have affected several users.
Not the first time
It must be noted that this is not the first time MacBook users have faced a crackling speakers issue. Users faced a similar issue with the MacBook Pro models released in 2016. Back then, users reported a crackling sound when running Windows via Boot Camp. At the time, some users even reported physical damage to their speakers. The company released a support document and new audio drivers for Boot Camp to fix the issue then. Apple and users will be hoping that the issue is not so severe this time.
A similar issue was faced by the iPhone 8 users as well. Last year, several users reported a disruptive “crackling” or “static” sound while making a call. At the time, the issue was widely reported by the users on Apple’s support forum and Reddit. Apple, however, was quick to acknowledge the issue.
“We are aware of the issue which is affecting customers in a small number of cases,” Apple said. “Our team is at work on a fix, which will be included in an upcoming software release.”
The issue affected both the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus users, suggesting that the issue is common to different carriers and in different markets. Later, in October, the company issued an update to the iOS 11 to fix the iPhone 8 crackling issue.
This time, however, it is not known if Apple is even aware of the issue, but one user facing the same 2018 MacBook Pro crackling speakers issue stated that it had been fixed in the latest beta version of macOS Mojave. Another user noted that the company is looking into the matter, but Apple has yet to acknowledge the problem officially.
Will new OS fix the issue?
Earlier this week, Apple issued the sixth developer beta for the macOS Mojave. However, there is no information if it has a fix for this newest crackling speakers issue. Instead, the latest beta focuses on productivity with features like Stacks allowing users to group files into piles by type automatically. Further, the Gallery view is now added to Finder to display media and metadata, along with the links for contextual quick actions.
In addition, users now will be able to access Markup functions without leaving the menu via Quick Look. Also, users get the ability to trim video clips without using a separate editor. It has become easier now to take images and video of the Mac desktop with the screenshot HUD. The new feature is also expected to reduce the load on the processor.
The sixth developer beta also brings a new Continuity Camera function. With the new functions, users will be able to use the iPhone or iPad camera to transfer a photo into the macOS app. The file will automatically transfer without any manual help required.
