Issues with iPhone 16 Pro Max – Speaker and Screen

I’m experiencing the same issue with my iPhone 16 Pro. The earpiece speaker sounds flat and lacks bass, which makes voices during calls sound unnatural and unclear. Compared to older models like the iPhone 15 Pro, 14 Pro, or even the 11 Pro, the sound quality on the 16 Pro is noticeably worse. On those older models, the earpiece sound was rich, deep, and natural, but on the 16 Pro, it feels like the low frequencies are completely cut off.

I’ve had the phone for just a week, and I already sent it in under warranty. Apple replaced it with a brand-new device, but the issue is exactly the same. One technician told me it was a “preventative replacement,” while another said there must have been a problem with the original phone. Regardless, the new unit has the same poor sound quality.

The problem seems to be with frequencies below 250 Hz, which are crucial for natural, full-sounding voices. On the 16 Pro, these frequencies are missing, and the voice sounds flat and lifeless, almost like what you’d expect from a very cheap phone.

To make things worse, one Apple technician told me I probably have “sensitive hearing” and need to get used to it, which I find unacceptable. I’ve filed a complaint and now have a dedicated Apple representative assigned to my case, but after a week of dealing with this issue, I’m getting frustrated.

This is a serious flaw, and I encourage everyone experiencing this issue to report it to Apple. Without more reports, this might never get fixed.

Similar issues here, buzzing and volume changes and random texting that freezes and lags between sound and motion. Apple support insists diagnostics are perfect and insists there have been no reports of problems nor offer a fix/assistance while that clearly isn’t true because several others are having problems with NEW phones.

New iPhone 16 pro max and speaker sounds like nails on a chalkboard when any background noise happens

need a fix

I’m experiencing the same issue as you. After unlocking my phone, the screen glitches.

Same thing here obviously this is a common problem

Not at all and apple do their ridiculous test and saying that everything is ok absolutely so frustrating and my iPhone 14 Pro Max was 10 times better lesson learn

Unfortunately for me it didn’t. Seems like this issue is still ignored by apple.

i guess this is happening with alot of users maybe its software glitch, maybe it will fixed in softwere update

, dont turnup the volume until the softwere update, the frequency can damage the speakers

Ear speaker crackling while on speaker mode.it’s really disappointing after paying lots of money for apple product and having this issue.hope apple can fix this issue by next update.i never had this type of issues with my samsung phones.

I have the same issue. When on speakerphone at volume 60% and above the top speaker sounds like there’s a rattle or distortion.

I have only used the phone for under a week. The sound from my old 13 ProMax was much better.

There are so many people reporting the same issue that Apple must be aware but seem to not want to acknowledge the issue and rectify it.

This is the first time I have ever had an issue with an Apple product and it has really spoilt the ownership experience of this phone which cost more than £1500. Not sure if I’ll ever buy Apple again unless this is rectified.

I went to 2 Apple stores with my new iPhone 16 Pro Max because the speaker sounded very bad. It sounded like a defective speaker when making calls and playing sound. According to the on-site audio test in the first Apple store, everything was fine. In the 2nd Apple store, they offered me a repair, but I declined because the defect was discovered on day 1 after unpacking. I only got the appointment almost a week later in the first Apple store, Genius Bar. I returned it and went back to my old phone because I'm not sure if it's a general problem and at the price of 1700 EU you can expect something

Same EXACT situation here! I just got my iPhone 16 Pro Max yesterday and the TREBLE is so High and piercing I can’t even turn up my music or YouTube videos or even just the news! It hurts my ears. It is so PIERCING AND SHRILLING 🤯 - I’m not sure what to do?! 🤷‍♂️

Looks like this is a pretty comment complaint.

So What Is everybody Doing? cuz, like you, I cannot keep this phone. I live on my phone. I work a ton so I’m watching YouTube, Music videos and news all the time and I can’t live with this.! Is there anyway to adjust this as it needs an equalizer?

Does anybody have an answer to this shrilling HIGH pitched TREBLE in this iPhone 16 Pro??

I usually use the “Apple Support App” to investigate any issues and refer to articles relevant, which the app automatically populates from a lille description of the problem. It can also use the Serial Number to check warranty (limited 1 year) or AppleCare (if applicable) and tells the eligibility for paid/unpaid service options available best for you.

From there you can choose the option suits you like scheduling reservations to nearest store or send-in etc. Scheduling can be done for a week ahead max.

Here, is an article I found when searched speaker/loudspeaker. Sometimes a quick look can be very rewarding and save you efforts as last I remember I had to backup the phone, erase the device after I sign out and oops, I will regret this a few days later as I never updated my phone number linked to the AppleID.

If you can’t hear any sound or hear distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch speaker – Apple Support (UK)

Another reason for replying on this post is to share that some phone models may get replaced/repaired under replacement programs for similar issues reported and do check it out.

Apple Service Programs - Apple Support

I just upgraded to iPhone 16 Pro Max from a 14 Pro Max and this speaker is so high in trouble. It is shrilling and piercing and my ears are ringing from just watching YouTube videos and the news. I can’t turn the speaker up enough to enjoy it. It is so shrilling!!

• unless there’s a fix this, I’m not going to be able to keep his phone. I’d rather have like 14 Pro Max back!!
• ?????

i request you to wait, as ive gone to service center too they told me theres no issues, i request you to search in yt "tweeter test" and you can see the muffing sound. to test