Crackling or distorted sound from my internal MacBook Pro M4 speaker but external work fine

You're welcome. I can't think of a software reason that would only affect the internal speakers. It could be a poor connection to the speakers. If it's still under warranty or covered by Apple Care I would still have it looked at.

Hey shuvopodder,

This has just started happening to my MacBook Pro M4 tonight. Or at least, tonight is the first time I've noticed it. I haven't used the speakers much on my MBP4 since I bought it. Tonight was the first time I've properly played music out of it for more than an hour straight, so after this kept happening, I decided to see if anyone else had experienced this.

I wasn't listening very loudly. I did all the things you did, and the other suggestions in comments. I also adjusted the Audio/Midi settings so the output format is 44,100 Hz and it didn't fix the issue.

Did you end up taking it to an Apple Store, or put in a repair request? Interested to know what the outcome was for you!

Just to add, try booting into Safe Mode then restart normally. Sometimes that will fix anomalies.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

The symptoms clearly suggest a hardware issue with the speakers themselves, just as dialabrain said.

Since it is an M4, it is still within warranty, so have it looked at, and probably fixed for free.

I have seen this problem on more than one mac laptop, but usually after several years, never on one so new.

This is a hardware problem that affects some machines. Replacing the logic board seems overkill, since it’s probably just the internal speakers, unless they are soldiered on and can’t be easily replaced themselves. Waiting for a software fix is pointless.

Yep same issue started last week MacBook Pro M4 is now about 8 months old ! Not good definitely hardware I've been round long enough to tell the speaker is effectively blown/distorting and I haven't had it up loud or anything, even if I did they should be made to handle volume ? Will have to take mine in to get looked at but seems to be a common problem

shuvopodder wrote:

• I’m experiencing an issue with my new MacBook Pro M4. The internal speakers produce crackling or distorted audio when playing music, videos, or system sounds. However, when I switch to external speakers or headphones (Bluetooth or wired), the sound is perfectly clear.

(everything is up to date)

"up to date "is relative statement (?)

did you try changing the Sample rate in the Audio Midi Setup.app...(?) for internal speakers

reduce the sample rate and compare your results.

did anyone suggest reinstalling/ updating /Reviving or Restoring Firmware...

How to revive or restore Mac firmware

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

The current stable release of Sequoia including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 15.7

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

The current stable release of Tahoe including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 26

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

vlg12 wrote:

Any news here? On my brand new MacBook Air with M4 I had this issue in both macOS 16 and macOS 26 now. Updating didn't change anything. Is anyone at Apple looking at this issue?

In my opinion, this looks clearly to be a hardware problem, and should be fixed under warranty.

If it were me, I would return it if it happened with the 14-day window, and otherwise take it in for service.

I have seen this on several macs over the years, but always after several years of working. That this is happening to several brand new M4 generation macs is unexpected, but for sure it is hardware, not software.

It sounds like the internal speakers may be damaged from playing at too high a volume. I would have it looked at.

Luis Sequeira1 wrote:

Since it is an M4, it is still within warranty, so have it looked at, and probably fixed for free.

Duh me. :)

Haven't had coffee.

Was anyone able to get this fixed?

We are in same boat

Our service centre advised to change the mani logic board . Did you updated the iOS