In recent days, numerous AirPods Pro 3 owners have commented in forums that they perceive a background noise similar to static when noise cancellation is activated and the environment is quiet. The behavior is especially noticeable with the ANC enabled and not playing contentThis has sparked debate among those who already use these headphones or compare their performance. AirPods Pro 3 vs. rivals.
The descriptions agree that it sounds like rain, sea or white noise and sometimes it also appears in Transparency or Adaptive Audio modes. Some people report that the hissing occurs when music starts playing. It diminishes or disappearsWhile others say it persists, albeit at a lower volume. There is no official confirmation yet, but Replacements are being processed in specific cases and does not appear to be linked to a recent software update.
What is happening and when will it be noticeable?
The most repeated pattern points to a continuous hissing that becomes evident in quiet roomsespecially with the active noise cancellation turned on and with no background audio. Some users also hear it with Transparency or Adaptive AudioThey even describe small clicks or chirps when walking or moving their head, as if the microphones were adjusting their response in real time.
Sometimes the noise is more noticeable on one side than the other, with cases where the right earphone It is more affected. In units that do not have the problem, the fund should be practically priceless under the same conditions. And although playing audio can mask it, several people claim that it is still noticeable if They listen at a low volume.
There are also testimonies from those who, after receiving a warranty replacement, have found that the noise reappearsThis suggests that it's not always a one-off hardware defect. Others, however, live with their AirPods Pro 3 without noticing anything unusual, highlighting that the problem It is not widespread.
Among those affected, the level of annoyance varies: there are cases where it is a slight murmur and others where the hissing becomes quite loud intrusive as to consider a refund. And on the other hand, there are those who report a completely satisfactory experience, with no trace of background artifacts.
Possible causes: software, hardware, or both
Without an official statement, the most plausible hypotheses point to the interaction between microphones, ear sealing, and algorithms of cancellation. If the firmware doesn't handle background noise well under certain conditions, that could slip through. low intensity hissIt is possible that there may also be some hardware variability between batches, which could amplify the symptom in some specific units.
The fact that some of the replacements do not delete The problem in all cases reinforces the idea that there could be a component modeling in play. Even so, poor sealing, dirty grilles, or unsuitable pads can cause artifacts with any ANC system, so it's best to rule out physical causes first.
What you can try right now
Until Apple clarifies the scope and, if appropriate, releases an update, there are a number of actions that can help diagnose and mitigate The problem. They don't guarantee a definitive solution, but they have proven useful for some of the affected users.
- Update iOS/iPadOS/macOS and the AirPods Pro 3 firmware; outdated software can worsen the background noise.
- Run the fit test and try other sizes of pads; a better seal reduces devices with ANC.
- Exfoliate your skin Clean grilles and microphones (without liquids) and avoid covering external microphones with caps or hands.
- make a reinstatement of the AirPods and re-pair them; sometimes it fixes abnormal behaviors.
- If you find it unbearable, temporarily disable it ANC or Transparency until a stable solution is available.
Return, repair or wait: options in Spain and the EU
If noise ruins the experience, it's worth taking advantage of the return optionsFor purchases from Apple or online stores, the right of withdrawal in the EU is usually 14 days (Check the terms and conditions at your retailer). In Spain, new products also come with three years legal guarantee Since 2022, this allows you to request repair or replacement if a defect is confirmed.
Before contacting support, record a video or audio recording where the issue is clearly visible. silent hiss with ANC enabled; this evidence helps expedite diagnosis. If the incidence is clearly reproduced, it is reasonable to request a replacement or open a technical case for evaluation.
Those who prefer to wait can bet on a possible Firmware update that adjusts the microphone management. In the meantime, use standard mode without ANC or adjust the size of the pads It can reduce disturbance in quiet environments.
Does it affect everyone? What users are saying
The problem doesn't seem to be widespread: there are many people using the AirPods Pro 3 without any issues. symptom...along with a minority who report this murmur in silence. Among the testimonies, there are those who have chosen to return The product and who continues without incident, which makes it difficult to measure the real reach without official data.
For those who perceive the noise, knowing that it is not an isolated case helps to to provide context and choose the best path: try adjustments, open a support call, or go to the WarrantyAnyone who doesn't notice anything unusual can continue enjoying their headphones normally, keeping the firmware. up to date.
The focus is on the everyday experience: in headphones of this level, a static background with ANC It shouldn't appear under normal use. If it affects you, it's worth checking. try the steps above And if it doesn't improve, use the return or warranty options available in Spain and the EU.
