Excessive Wind Noise in Right AirPod Only - New Device, Latest Firmware

Dear Apple Support,

I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my recently purchased AirPods 4, specifically concerning excessive wind noise in the right earbud only.

Here is a detailed description of my situation:

Device Information:

Purchase Date: Early October 2024 (less than 2 weeks ago)
iOS Version: 18.1 (Latest version)
AirPods Firmware: Latest version (confirmed at Apple Store)
Warranty Status: Under warranty

Issue Timeline:

Issue started approximately one week ago, suddenly without any apparent cause
Visited Apple Store for diagnosis on October 21, 2024
Apple Store technicians found no hardware issues, yet the problem persists

Issue Description:

Only the right AirPod unit produces excessive wind/rushing noise
The left AirPod functions perfectly normally
This issue appeared suddenly, about a week after purchase
The problem persists regardless of the environment or volume level

Steps Already Taken:

Visited the Apple Store for diagnostic testing (October 21, 2024)
Had the AirPods checked by Apple technicians who found no hardware issues
Confirmed that both iOS and AirPods firmware are up to date

Given that these are newly purchased AirPods and the issue started so soon after purchase, I believe this might be a defective unit. While the Apple Store found no hardware issues, the problem significantly impacts the usability of the device, especially considering these are premium wireless earbuds.

I would greatly appreciate either a solution to resolve this issue or a replacement unit, as this device is well within its warranty period.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

AirPods 4

Posted on Oct 21, 2024 8:01 PM

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Top-ranking reply

bixentee

Level 1

32 points

Posted on Nov 27, 2024 11:06 AM

Same here with the right airpod (with the 7b20 firmware). I replicated the same issue on my iPad as well to make sure it comes from the airpod (and it does).

Contacted Apple and they changed me both airpods.

I write this reply 2 days after picking the new ones, and today, again the same sound when activating the ANC but this time, the left airpod is the malfunctioning one.

Am I that unlucky or is this issue that common ?

Btw, if I can add some additional elements I noticed:

Even when I turn off everything (ANC, transparency,…), I noticed that the malfunctioning airpod’s volume fluctuates, sometimes the volume is increased (compared to the other side), sometimes the bass is boosted and I need to use the left/right audio balance in the settings (accessibility) to not get a headache…

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27 replies

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희돈

Level 1

8 points

Nov 4, 2024 8:49 PM in response to 진국

I’m experiencing the exact same issue. While using my AirPods4 with Active Noise Cancellation, an excessive wind-like noise occurs only in the right AirPod after some time. Recently, Apple Support mentioned that there are no hardware issues. Is there any new update regarding this issue?

ViktorDn

Level 1

14 points

Jan 25, 2025 11:05 PM in response to 진국

I’m experiencing the same issue. I bought mine in early December 2024, and the "wind noise" appeared after a few weeks. Apple Store technicians found no hardware issues but agreed to replace them with a brand-new set. A couple of weeks later, I’m now heading back with the new pair having the exact same problem on the other earbud, and I have a feeling the Apple Store technicians will once again find no hardware issues. Very disappointed with the fourth generation.

ViktorDn

Level 1

14 points

Jan 27, 2025 4:52 AM in response to ViktorDn

upd:

The second visit yielded the same results. Apple Store technicians couldn’t detect any issues with their tests. However, if you put the earbuds in your ears (without connecting them to any devices), you can easily hear a loud wind noise in one of the earbuds. I decided to give the 4th generation AirPods one last chance. I have a strong feeling that this is a widespread issue with this generation, and the problem isn’t even with the earbuds themselves but with the tests used by Apple Store technicians, as well as those conducted by the developers when preparing the release.

Feb 4, 2025 10:56 AM in response to 진국

I have exactly the same issue with mine, AirPods 4 ANC firmware 7B20. Technicians cannot reproduce the issue but its happening constantly, we need either a solution or the ability to replace the faulty units

Apr 11, 2025 9:58 AM in response to 진국

I have the same issue. I bought AirPods 4 with ANC at the end of January in France. After a visit to an Apple Store, no hardware problem was found by the technician, and they are not allowed to test the AirPods themselves. I still have this issue even after updating to the latest firmware.

This problem is definitely related to the noise cancellation feature, either the microphone or the software, because when this option is turned off, there is no issue, it takes several minutes for the problem to occur, and sometimes it doesn't happen at all..

It's a shame because, having paid for this feature, I am forced to turn it off