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

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.

Having the same issue here!

My 10 month old brand new Macbook Pro 2024 also started making a crackling noise on the right speaker about a week ago. I just took it to an Apple store and it looks like they will replace the speakers.

It’s good that this is still covered under warranty otherwise it would’ve cost 800 euros.

Strange that so many people are experiencing the same issue.. Hopefully, there won’t be any problems after the replacement.

I’m having the exact same issue: the left speaker on my MacBook distorts or vibrates on certain audio — it’s clearly a hardware problem. I took it to an official Apple Store, and had to repeatedly convince staff to listen, since in a noisy store they couldn’t hear it; they ran system diagnostics (nothing showed up) and told me everything is normal, which was very disappointing.

I previously had the same problem on a MacBook Pro M1 — the disturbing sound grew louder over time, and eventually Apple replaced the entire bottom case assembly to fix it.

MacBook speakers are usually good, but there seems to be a recurring weak point: certain frequencies appear to cause this vibration/distortion. If I can’t get it fixed, I’ll wait for the next redesign — but it’s frustrating that such an expensive machine has this flaw.

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.

V_Vlad_ wrote:

Issuing the following command in the Terminal fixed the issue on my Macbook Pro M1:

sudo killall coreaudiod

ref: <sudo killall coreaudiod>

Did this require a restart ?

I got my Mac after repairing. Changed speakers it didn’t help finally the main logic board has changed and now it works 🤞🏼. Its a serious hardware incompatibility with new software..

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

Issuing the following command in the Terminal fixed the issue on my Macbook Pro M1:

sudo killall coreaudiod

Yes . Main logic board changed under warranty

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

Today, I just discovered the same issue on MacBook m4 pro.. sounds like it's on the right speaker for me. Never played loud audio on it. The speaker failure is noticeable even when listening to normal YouTube talks etc. I looped over different audio from different sources, to exclude it was corrupted audio.

This is pretty weird.

the same problem for me after yesterday update, even have some problems with weird sound in my Airpods connected to macos 26. So, it's not a speaker problem , smth wrong with software 100%

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

Same for me. I noticed that the crackles were generated when the processor activity increased, for example during a compilation.

I think the problem is software-related.

Same issue here—I started experiencing distorted sound from the right internal speaker on my 6-month-old MacBook Pro M4, while external audio (wired or Bluetooth) works perfectly fine. It happens across all apps and even with system sounds, just like you described.