Mikey Campbell
Apple in a document sent to service providers this week confirmed recent reports of "popping" or "clicking" noises emanating from new 16-inch MacBook Pro models, saying the issue stems from a software bug that will be patched in a future macOS update.
According to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, Apple is investigating a fix to the software-related problem. As such, repair personnel are advised to refrain from setting up service appointments or replacing affected MacBook Pro units.
"When using Final Cut Pro X, Logic Pro X, QuickTime Player, Music, Movies, or other applications to play audio, users may hear a pop come from the speakers after playback has ended," the document reads. "Apple is investigating the issue. A fix is planned in future software updates. Do not set up service, or replace the user's computer, as this is a software-related issue."
A growing number of users have reported hearing "popping" or "clicking" sounds from the 16-inch MacBook Pro's speakers since the new laptop launched in November, with customers detailing the problem in an Apple Support pages forum entry, on YouTube and across social media.
In most cases, the aberrant sounds are heard when pausing or scrubbing through audio and video files, though closing a media playback app might also trigger the noise.
Past Apple notebooks have suffered from similar issues, including the 2016 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. In 2017, a small number of users reported hearing a "pinging" or "popping" noise coming from within the chassis during periods of heavy use.
Similar sounds caused alarm for MacBook Pro owners in 2016. One of the earliest recorded instances of MacBook Pro "popping" can be traced back to 2007, when the issue prompted Apple to release an update to its then-current OS X Tiger operating system.
While it has seemingly narrowed down the latest problem to software, Apple did not provide repair facilities an estimated timeline on a planned fix.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Mike Wuerthele
William Gallagher
Amber Neely
Sponsored Content
36 Comments
The same weasel who ate the SD card slot is surely the source of these pops. Even without the beloved slot, one still needs to pawn his winter coat to afford the machine.
POP! There goes the weasel.
Separately, I appreciated AppleInsider's recent video comparing the 17" MBP with the 16". Naturally I disagree with the conclusion that the 16" is better in every way. When one ponders the connectivity options we've lost, it's no surprise that the 17" still holds a special place in the hearts of owners worldwide. I think most could even live without a retina screen if they could just have updated performance and slimmer bezels while retaining all those glorious ports that once made the MacBook "Pro."
Glad to read that. My early 2011 is up for replacement as my dSLR files have way overwhelmed it.
I really don’t get this arm waving because Apple no longer provides discontinued technological relic ports.
Hubs! They cost about $5 and you can plug anything you want into it! Not really an unbearable compromise to not have your computer case festooned on 3 sides with plugs you’ll use once every 8 years.