Apple Studio Display - annoying intermittent sound

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Level 1

4 points

Apple Studio Display - annoying intermittent sound

I recently bought an Apple Studio Display and a Mac Mini. Unfortunately, there seems to be an intermittent high-pitched noise coming from the Studio Display, and I can't figure out what is causing it. It doesn't seem to follow a pattern, but when it does happen, it lasts about 4-5 minutes, a couple of times per day. I bought the Mac Mini + Studio Display combo for my home recording studio, but obviously this noise is a terrible thing for a quiet environment, and really terrible given the price of the display.

I have looked through the forums online and it seems others have had this issue, but mine seems a bit different in that it is not persistent. The only thing that is definite is that it stops when I plug out the Thunderbolt cable connecting it to the Mac Mini.

I have linked a short video I took on my phone here, where you can hear the sound very clearly:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ1SwsOkSe4

If anyone knows how I might rectify this, I would greatly appreciate it!

Studio Display

Posted on Sep 10, 2025 8:34 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HennessySJ Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2025 9:22 AM in response to John Galt

Thanks John. I got a call from Apple Support today, apparently this is a known issue with Studio Displays. They offered a refund, and I took it, rather than going through the process of replacements.

It is a pity as I really like the display, but it's not going to work for me if it buzzes, even at a low volume. Maybe they will fix this on a future model.

Thanks for your replies and your help!

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Answer 2

HennessySJ Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 10, 2025 1:43 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks John, I called Apple Support in Ireland today and their recommendation so far is to switch around the Thunderbolt cable. I've ordered a new one so we'll see if that helps. The guy on the phone thought it might be an electrical fault, and he was familiar with the noise in the above video. We have a call scheduled for next week, and I will post updates here in case anyone else runs into this problem.

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Answer 3

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,970 points

Sep 11, 2025 12:43 PM in response to HennessySJ

I have a mac Mini M4 with the Studio display and it is dead silent. Perhaps you just got a defective display. FYI I have used different TB cables to the display and no impact.

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Answer 4

John Galt

Level 10

154,564 points

Sep 10, 2025 2:04 PM in response to HennessySJ

Sure, that would have been my suggestion too, but that one looks like it came with the display.

The correct cables are expensive, and most people don't have lot of spares on hand.

Let us know what you find out.

By the way, try reversing the cable. Not a fix but could be a clue.

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

154,564 points

Sep 10, 2025 12:50 PM in response to HennessySJ

You should be contacting Apple about that. Use the Support link on these pages.

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Answer 6

John Galt

Level 10

154,564 points

Sep 11, 2025 11:01 AM in response to HennessySJ

Interesting. Thank you for that update.

Good idea getting a refund because that noise would drive me up a wall. I hope they address it soon because I can't find anything on the market nearly as good as that display.

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