MacBook Speaker Plug Fix

CURRENT POSITION

The speakers work after plug-in/plug-out because the failing audio IC chip is temporarily reinitialized by the headphone jack interrupt, allowing short-term audio functionality.

KEY ASSUMPTIONS

• The MacBook Pro 2017 uses a single audio IC to control speakers, microphone, and headphone jack.
• The audio IC has degraded solder connections that prevent proper initialization at boot.
• Plugging headphones triggers a hardware interrupt that can temporarily restore the IC connection.

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

• Internal speakers are not detected in Sound settings on boot.
• system_profiler SPAudioDataType returns an empty device list.
• Audio works temporarily after plugging and unplugging headphones.

OPEN QUESTIONS

• How long the temporary revival will continue before complete audio failure occurs.
• Whether heat or physical stress accelerates the IC solder degradation.

WANT TO EXPLORE DEEPER?

by Govind