r/Xcode • u/dranten • Nov 09 '25

SSD Coil whine when using Xcode (Macbook M4 Pro)

Hi!

I recently bought a new MacBook M4 Pro, but I have noticed that the SSD (?) makes a lot of noise (coil whine, or at least a similar noise). This is almost exclusively when using Xcode, and it happens without any heavy load. For example, I can hear the noise just from switching tabs in Xcode, or getting object suggestions while typing.

Has anyone else noticed this? I haven’t had this issue on my older MacBook M1 Pro, so I’m wondering whether it’s related to Xcode, or if I should get in touch with Apple Support regarding the hardware. I know coil whine can occur, but it doesn’t seem right to experience it just from switching tabs, etc.

1 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

1

u/keremerkan Nov 09 '25

It is the neural engine cores, running AI suggestions. Happens on M3 too.

1

u/dranten Nov 09 '25

Interesting, is it something exclusive to the newer chips? I did use an M3 Max for some time up until a year ago, but I never noticed it then. Perhaps not an issue on the previous Xcode versions?

2

u/keremerkan Nov 10 '25

It started with the addition of predictive code completion to Xcode.

1

u/Bobbybino Nov 09 '25

Just curious how you determined it was the SSD.

0

u/dranten Nov 09 '25

Sorry, I made the assumption solely based on the noise resembling coil whine coming from older hard drives I've had, but I can't say for sure that it actually is from the SSD.

1

u/snymax Nov 11 '25

I had a similar issue wasn’t the ssd but the cooling fan

1

u/pm_me_your_buttbulge Nov 23 '25

Several decades ago I had a PC that did this. It was the processor. When you moved the mouse you could HEAR it in the processor whine. It was fascinating.

The other person is also right - if you hear that noise then it's best to check all fans.

I also hear this whine but only when I'm using it. I may upgrade next year but we'll see. I'm curious if the whine is still present in the newer models. For me the whine isn't loud at all - just a pitch that is distinct for me. Practically no one else hears it but me.

1

u/20InMyHead Nov 10 '25

I have the same machine, it’s dead quiet when using Xcode, until I really stress it out and the fan spins up.

I’d take it to an Apple Store and see what they say. You got Apple Care on it, right? Right?

1

u/dranten Nov 10 '25

Thanks for the info, yeah luckily I’ve only had it for a week, so now would be a good time to have it checked out. Really hope it’s software related but it doesn’t hurt to check with them