The iPhone 4 had Antennagate, the iPhone 6 Plus had Bendgate, and — at least according to multiple online complaints — the iPhone 8 suffers from Cracklegate.
The issue affects a small number of iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus earpieces, resulting in a distracting “crackle” or “static” noise during calls. But don’t worry — according to Apple, a fix is on the way.
A fix is coming
In a statement given to The Verge, Apple confirmed the issue, but said that it only affects a “small number” of handsets. Fortunately, unlike the previous “gates” mentioned (and, yes, we’re using that term with tongue firmly in cheek), it appears that the crackling issues on the iPhone 8 are caused by software, rather than hardware faults.
That means that they will be far easier to fix, and you won’t have to take your new handset into the Apple store for it to be done.
“We are aware of the issue which is affecting customers in a small number of cases,” an Apple spokesperson said. “Our team is at work on a fix, which will be included in an upcoming software release.”
Seeming to confirm the fact that this is a software, rather than hardware, issue is the fact that the fault doesn’t happen all the time, but only during certain phone calls and FaceTime calls. It also doesn’t seem to be a problem during times when the phone’s loudspeaker is used.
There’s no timeline on when this fix will be issued, although Apple regularly issues updates to iOS — and typically works rapidly when a fault has been reported.
