Hissgate: iPhone 7 Plus emits strange noise when under heavy load

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iphone 7
Apple rode the iPhone 7 Plus' wave into 2017.
Photo: Apple

The first crisis to hit the iPhone 7 Plus is already here, and this time it could be a lot more annoying than Bendgate and Antennagate.

Some iPhone 7 Plus owners are reporting that Apple’s new devices emit a strange hissing noise when performing processor-intensive tasks. And no one is sure what’s causing it.

Hear it for yourself:

Word of the iPhone 7 Plus issue hit Twitter this weekend thanks to Steve Hackett, who posted the audio recording above of his iPhone 7 Plus doing its best sprinkler impersonation. TechCrunch’s Darrell Etherington has also reportedly been hit with the hissing bug on his brand new iPhone 7 Plus.

It appears that Hissgate only effects a small number of devices. Cult of Mac has not been able to replicate the hissing problem on any of our new iPhones.

Apple has not responded to requests for comment on what causes the issue. Engadget theorized that it could be a “coil whine” and is likely a small manufacturing defect instead of an overall design flaw.

Hackett said Apple has already offered to replace his device with a brand new unit. If you’re suffering from the same problem, try taking your device to a Genius Bar to get a replacement once supplies become available.

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