**Some AirPods Pro 3 Owners Report Hissing and Ocean Wave-Like Sounds**
The AirPods Pro 3 were announced in September 2023 as Apple’s current premium earbuds. While they boast top-tier features, not all user experiences have been smooth. Several owners have reported hearing a static-like sound—described as hissing or resembling ocean waves—when using Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) without any music or video playing.
### Static Noise Issue in AirPods Pro 3
Affected users have taken to Reddit and various forums to voice their concerns. When no media is playing, a static or white noise can be heard with ANC enabled on the AirPods Pro 3. Some describe the sound as similar to rain or the ocean, akin to the noise heard when holding a seashell to the ear.
Interestingly, reports suggest that this static noise occurs not only in ANC mode but also in Adaptive and Transparency modes. Some users say it sounds like a constant small fan running in the room—despite no actual fan being present.
### Variability Among Users
Not everyone experiences this issue. Some users report no such noise at all, which might mean their earbuds are not affected or that their sensitivity to ambient static noise is lower. For those affected, the intensity of the static differs; some say it’s worse in one AirPod compared to the other.
For some, playing music reduces or masks the static sound, while others find the static so intrusive that it drowns out low-volume audio entirely.
### Is It a Hardware or Software Problem?
At this time, it is unclear whether the issue stems from hardware defects or software bugs.
– Some users who reported this to Apple received replacement units.
– Unfortunately, some replacements still exhibited the same static noise problem.
If the root cause is software-related, Apple could potentially fix it with a future firmware update. However, if it is hardware-related, replacements might be necessary. There is no guarantee, though, that a replacement unit will be free of the problem.
Currently, the only reliable way to completely eliminate the static is by turning off Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes. This can be done through the Settings app when the AirPods Pro 3 are in your ears. However, this workaround is far from ideal since ANC and Transparency are premium features that buyers expect to be fully functional.
### User Reactions
For users with sensitive hearing, the static noise could be particularly frustrating. Many feel that spending up to $600 on a set of earbuds obligates Apple to deliver flawless performance.
“I would be seriously unhappy if I experienced this issue,” one user commented. “I hope Apple can resolve it with a software update. Otherwise, I would consider requesting a refund or a replacement.”
### Conclusion
The AirPods Pro 3 static noise issue may be a significant concern for some buyers, especially audiophiles or those with heightened sensitivity to ambient sounds. Hopefully, Apple addresses this swiftly, either via a firmware update or through improved hardware in future batches.
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**Have you noticed any weird noise from your AirPods Pro 3?**
– Yep, that annoying static!
– Nope, mine sound fine
– I don’t have AirPods Pro 3
– I was planning to buy them, now I’m not so sure
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Stay tuned for more updates on this issue and other Apple news.
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https://www.phonearena.com/news/some-airpods-pro-3-units-are-making-a-weird-noise-and-its-driving-users-crazy_id175328