The iPhone 17 Pro Max may have an issue with its audio on some models, leading to unwanted sounds playing from speakers and quieter overall sound levels.
The issue -- previously reported on Apple's customer support page, MacRumors and Reddit forums by affected iPhone 17 Pro Max owners -- has also been reported by a member of CNET's staff. The speaker problem didn't affect any of CNET's review units that have been tested by the editorial team, and doesn't appear to be widespread. We've reached out to Apple for comment.
According to CNET Senior Analyst Jeffrey Mizrahi, the audio on his iPhone 17 Pro Max sounds "crunchier" than it did on his prior iPhone 16 Pro Max. When listening to dialog on a John Oliver YouTube clip, he noticed a distorting quality to voices.
In addition to the quieter, crunchy audio, Mizrahi describes a static noise coming out of a speaker when the phone's volume is set to zero while plugged into a wired USB-C charger. Reports on forums agree. This sound is described as being like a walkie-talkie noise and isn't replicated when the phone isn't charging or when using MagSafe wireless charging.
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Similar reports of these sounds have appeared on Apple's support forums since the iPhone 17 Pro Max's late September launch, with some Reddit users reporting the issue regardless of whether the phone is charging.
While the audio issue isn't widespread, it follows news that the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max's anodized coating can chip around the edges of the camera plateau. Apple previously told CNET that normal wear and tear can cause the coating to show minor abrasions.
If you're experiencing any issues with your iPhone 17 Pro Max's speaker, you may be able to use the iPhone's one-year warranty to request a repair or replacement of the device from Apple. For those who choose to purchase AppleCare plans for their iPhone, the iPhone 17 line is the first to only offer AppleCare plans that have theft and loss, meaning that while they cover more than just hardware defects, the plans are slightly more expensive than in prior years. The option to omit theft and loss coverage for an iPhone was retired in February.
Apple has also broadened the eligibility period for signing up a device to AppleCare for repairs, now allowing customers to purchase a plan for any iPhone less than 4 years old.