Numerous iPhone 7 Owners Are Reporting Their Device Makes a Strange Hissing Noise

As with several new incarnations of technology, sometimes the very first batch of units tend to be afflicted by some sort of unexplainable hardware anomaly. We saw this with Apple’s iPhone 6, for instance, and how the device appeared to literally bend when enough force was exerted on it — leading to the now infamous ‘bendgate’ phenomenon of 2014. And, even more recently, Samsung’s hot-off-the-presses Galaxy Note 7 was plagued by a since identified battery-related conundrum — ultimately leading to a huge recall, and multiple reports of the device spontaneously bursting into flames.

Now, however, it seems that in a similar fashion, several iPhone 7 early adopters have been reporting instances in which their handsets produce an audible ‘hissing’ sound, presumably when Apple’s all-new A10 Fusion SoC is dealing with a heavy load of processing tasks.

First brought to the public’s attention by 512 Pixels’ Stephen Hackett, and subsequently confirmed by other online media outlets, including TechCrunch, the hissing issue appears to present itself on an unknown number of iPhone 7 units when multiple, system-hogging apps are running simultaneously in the background. Hackett also noted, however, that a phone call into AppleCare’s technical support center resulted in the representative offering him a replacement unit at no change.

It’s currently unknown how many iPhone 7 units are plagued by this hissing issue, let alone what or how many of the device’s internal components are responsible for it. However, as Hackett was quick to note, it’s still too soon to point the finger directly at the A10 chip as being the sole orchestrator of these sounds — particularly because, all things considered, the SoC in itself is not inherently able to produce any loud noises, such as those being reported, independently of the actual stereo speaker system on the device.

AppleInsider also noted that the noises could potentially be the result of some RF or antenna transmitter interfering with the iPhone’s speaker system, given their close proximity.

Regardless, however, it seems as if we’ll just have to wait and see how many iPhone 7 early adopters come forward and confirm their device’s affliction by the issue — at which point, Apple will most likely be liable for offering those customers a replacement unit at no charge, just like Samsung is currently doing with its Galaxy Note 7.

Have you experienced a hissing noise on your new iPhone 7?
Let us know in the comments!